Papua – BRIN PR. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) through the Center for Political Research (PRP) discussed the harmony of land and sea governance in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN) and Southwest Papua, in Jakarta, Monday (23/12).
BRIN PRP Political Economy and Strategic Issues Cluster Coordinator Irine Hiraswari Gayatri revealed that governance and democratization are expected to be perspectives to overcome problems. These problems usually arise in the implementation and formulation of policies that are inclusive and fair in every decision-making.
“We see problems, including unequal policy paradigms, including policies for land and ocean orientation,” she said.
This is the background to the discussion of research from two locations, namely IKN and Papua. Where, many competitive practices arise from various aspects in relation to development.
Meanwhile, World Resources Institute Indonesia Researcher Ahmad Dhiaulhaq explained the preservation of Natural Resources (SDA) from mountains to coast (ridge to reef) in Raja Ampat and Sorong Districts, Southwest Papua. He said that Southwest Papua became one of the 38th youngest provinces according to Law Number 29 of 2022.
He said the province has diverse and abundant ecosystems and natural resources. However, the management of its resources is still relatively complex by various sectors, actors, and various levels.
This ridge to reef approach, he applied, offers a framework to integrate land and marine ecosystems. It also encourages more integrated natural resource management and socio-economic development.
This approach also highlights how upstream activities such as forest conventions, logging, mining and infrastructure development impact important habitats downstream. Such as mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs.
Then, the implementation of ridge to reef requires an innovative governance model that integrates perspectives, interests of various stakeholders, diverse interests, and sustainable financing to be successful.
“For this reason, the new policy makers need to consider reintegrating the ridge to reef approach in natural resource management in Southwest Papua, by integrating local knowledge and traditions,” Ahmad said.
BRIN PRP Civil Society and Natural Resources Team Coordinator Imam Syafi’i discussed the challenges of Regionally and Locally Determined Contribution (RLDC) implementation in his view of IKN and the future of Balikpapan Bay.
Imam explained that his research was to see how far the IKN authoritative body has built a mitigation. His research team wants to assess whether there is climate change in the IKN coastal area. Also, the implementation challenges of the RLDC document. Where, the document is a road map for IKN to be inclusive and pay attention to climate change.
“The development of IKN infrastructure encourages environmental changes in local (coastal) ecosystems and sustainability challenges, as well as environmental governance in Balikpapan Bay,” he said.
Imam added that the RLDC is the road map for the zero-emission archipelago 2045, as a global commitment to climate change. It covers five sectors, namely forest utilization and land use, energy, agriculture, waste management, and industry. The implementation of this collective work program involves many sectors and actors at all levels.
“To harmonize environmental governance in Balikpapan Bay, at least for the short term is a special zone with joint management. The trick is to empower local communities, decentralization, accountability, and transparency of governance,” he explained.
However, according to him, this is not by ignoring economic aspects. But, on the other hand, it still maintains aspects of environmental sustainability.
