Derawan Blue Economy has the potential to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

The Derawan Islands have long been recognised as one of Indonesia's premier Marine Tourism paradises. Crystal clear seawater, Coral Reefs, alongside resident manta rays and whale sharks have made this region in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan a dream destination for ocean lovers from across the globe.

Yet beyond its famous underwater beauty, Derawan holds another equally substantial untapped potential. This Conservation Area functions as a key driver for the Blue Economy, capable of delivering long-term sustainable benefits for both the natural environment and local coastal communities.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Government through the Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP) continues to strengthen governance for the Derawan Islands Coastal & Small Islands Conservation Zone (KKP3K) and surrounding waters.

"This 285,548.95 hectare conservation zone in Berau is an extremely critical asset. Effective from 2024, its management operates under the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) framework," explained Yuliana Nidyasari, Sub-Coordinator for Marine & Fisheries Conservation at East Kalimantan DKP.

Adopting the BLUD system marks a strategic milestone to strengthen proper zone governance, while opening legitimate pathways for sustainable marine-based economic development.

Yuliana confirmed this policy is not only focused on protecting coastal natural heritage, but also designed to support growth of environmentally responsible Tourism sectors.

"Alongside marine ecosystem preservation, this priority programme is specifically targeted to advance the region's flagship ecotourism industry," she stated.

The ecotourism model was selected as a core strategy as it successfully integrates conservation objectives with tangible economic uplift for local residents.

Under this model, visitors do not only experience the natural beauty of Derawan, but also directly contribute to ongoing environmental protection efforts.

Development of this ecotourism system is projected to raise living standards for coastal communities that have historically depended entirely on wild marine resources for survival.

"We are committed to ensure all commercial activity within Derawan waters will operate perpetually on a sustainable basis, without damaging the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem," Yuliana added.

Initial economic assessments calculate this conservation zone holds an annual blue economy potential value of approximately 317,000 US Dollars.

This valuation is further supported by Derawan's coastal ecosystem carbon sequestration capacity: the region is verified to absorb over 69,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every single year.

Derawan's global appeal is undisputed. Alongside its famous manta ray and whale shark populations, the territory hosts extraordinary levels of marine biodiversity.

"Derawan waters have established itself as a world-class tourism destination for decades, driven by its unique biological wealth and iconic large marine wildlife," Yuliana noted.

Latest species survey data confirms this conservation zone hosts at minimum 507 hard coral species, 40 mushroom coral species, and 52 separate soft coral genera. This biological wealth places Derawan among the highest marine biodiversity regions in Indonesia.