Banyuwangi's marine natural tourism management has received appreciation, serving as an inspiration for countries across ASEAN and the Pacific region.

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

This international forum, held on 17–18 July 2026, serves as a 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 Management

Zelda Wulan Kartika, Expert Staff for Economic Diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that Banyuwangi was chosen as the host because it has demonstrated proven success in developing sustainable marine area governance.

According to her, this management approach is not solely focused on economic targets, but also actively involves local communities in protecting marine environmental sustainability.

"What Banyuwangi has implemented sets a good example for other regions across Indonesia, as well as for all countries attending this forum. This is also an opportunity for us to exchange experiences and perspectives," she stated.

This approach is one of the core reasons Banyuwangi was deemed suitable as the host location to share best practices with all participating countries of the ASEAN-ID Blue forum.

New Zealand Shares Many Parallels With Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi's achievements have also drawn official attention from Joanna Anderson, New Zealand's Ambassador to ASEAN.

She noted that Banyuwangi holds very similar characteristics to New Zealand, particularly as a region with coastal communities whose daily livelihoods depend on marine resources.

"That is why I see so many common grounds between New Zealand and Banyuwangi. I believe this event is very well placed, and we can all learn valuable lessons from one another," said Joanna.

According to her, Banyuwangi's track record in developing the marine and tourism sectors can serve as shared learning reference for all participating countries.

Marine Governance For Coastal Community Welfare

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stated that this forum provides strategic opportunity to strengthen coastal area management, especially given Banyuwangi's extensive coastline and enormous marine tourism potential.

"This forum is extremely valuable for advancing Banyuwangi's marine management practices, especially since we are blessed with such a long coastline," Ipuk remarked.

She expressed hope that collaboration through ASEAN-ID Blue will open up new formal partnership opportunities for the development of sustainable marine and tourism sectors.

Delegates Invited To Explore Banyuwangi's Marine Tourism Sites

ASEAN-ID Blue is an initiative led by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in official partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

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

Beyond attending formal discussions on the blue economy, all delegates were also invited to directly observe Banyuwangi's marine tourism potential on location.

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