The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) held a follow-up meeting on November 4th 2025, in Jakarta to discuss the initiation of the Carbon-Free Island (CFI) project, with Belitong designated as the pilot site. The meeting was attended by two directors from MMAF, the Assistant Deputy of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and representatives from the Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC).
One of the key discussion points was the alignment of regional and national spatial planning (RTRW). The current lack of synchronization between local and national development plans (RPJMD and RPJMN) has been identified as a challenge in realizing the CFI initiative. Harmonization efforts will be crucial to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
MTCRC, jointly operated by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), serves as a bilateral research platform between Indonesia and South Korea. Its main objectives include promoting joint marine and fisheries research, facilitating capacity development for Indonesian researchers, and driving practical scientific collaboration to produce innovative solutions in marine technology.
The initiative to establish Belitong as a Carbon-Free Island symbolizes Indonesia’s strong commitment to clean energy transition and sustainable island development. MTCRC has proposed that the MMAF and local governments must involve international institutions such as UNDP, UNEP, and UNESCO to strengthen cooperation networks and secure innovative financing for the program’s long-term sustainability.
Interestingly, Belitung was previously proposed as a pilot site for a Low Carbon Island Development project in 2021, but it was not approved at that time. Nearly five years later, the initiative has resurfaced with renewed optimism and strong support from MTCRC, marking a promising new chapter toward a greener, more sustainable Belitong.
