Banyuwangi's Coastal Nature Tourism Management Received Appreciation, Becomes Inspiration for ASEAN and Pacific Countries

Banyuwangi Regency has once again captured global attention. This region located at the easternmost tip of Java Island has been selected as a best practice example for marine nature tourism management at the ASEAN-ID Blue forum. This forum brings together ASEAN nations, Pacific countries, and partner states to share experiences on blue economy development.

This international forum held on 17–18 July 2026 becomes the momentum for Banyuwangi to demonstrate how marine potential can be managed sustainably; not only to drive economic growth, but also to improve the welfare of coastal communities.

Banyuwangi Recognised for Successful Marine Potential Stewardship

Zelda Wulan Kartika, Expert Staff for Economic Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained Banyuwangi was selected as host after being assessed as successfully developing sustainable marine area governance.

According to her, this management approach does not only focus on economic targets, but also actively involves local communities in preserving marine environmental health.

"What Banyuwangi has implemented sets a good example for other regions across Indonesia, as well as for every country present in this forum. We can also exchange experiences and perspectives with one another," she stated.

This approach became one of the core reasons Banyuwangi was deemed eligible as the location for sharing best practices among all ASEAN-ID Blue participating countries.

New Zealand Shares Many Parallels With Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi's achievements also caught the attention of Joanna Anderson, New Zealand Ambassador to ASEAN.

She observed that Banyuwangi holds very similar characteristics to New Zealand, especially as a territory with coastal communities that depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.

"That is why I see so many similarities between New Zealand and Banyuwangi. I believe this event is very well positioned, and we all have much to learn from each other," Joanna said.

She added that Banyuwangi's experience developing marine and tourism sectors can become shared learning material for all participating countries.

Marine Governance For Community Welfare

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stated that this forum provides an opportunity to strengthen coastal area management, especially considering Banyuwangi's long coastline and vast marine tourism potential.

"This forum is very valuable to reinforce Banyuwangi's marine stewardship efforts, especially since we are blessed with such an extensive coastline," Ipuk remarked.

She expressed hope that collaboration through ASEAN-ID Blue will open new partnership opportunities for sustainable marine and tourism sector development.

Delegates Invited To Experience Banyuwangi Marine Tourism Firsthand

ASEAN-ID Blue is an initiative of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in cooperation with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

This forum is attended by representatives from ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members.

Beyond attending blue economy discussion sessions, all delegates were also invited to directly observe Banyuwangi's marine tourism potential.

They visited Merah Putih Fishermen Village and Bangsring Underwater, two destinations that serve as working models for conservation-based tourism combined with coastal community empowerment programs.