Efforts to safeguard Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems have entered a new phase. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) through the Global Environment Facilities–Coastal Fisheries Initiative (GEF-CFI) Indonesia Project, convened a Technical Working Meeting of the Pilot Research Team on the Use of a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Financial Mechanism for Coastal Conservation in Southeast Maluku. Held in Bandung on 10–12 December 2025, the forum served as an important platform to design conservation approaches that not only protect the environment, but also improve the welfare of coastal communities.

The Technical Working Meeting of the Pilot Research Team on the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Financial Mechanism for Coastal Conservation in Southeast Maluku, Bandung (10 December 2025)

The event was officially opened by Dr. Umi Mu’awanah, Head of the Research Center for Industrial, Service, and Trade Economics (PR-EIJP) of BRIN. A total of 19 participants attended the event, consisting of researchers, project managers, and relevant stakeholders, with a relatively balanced gender composition. The discussions were moderated by Husen Rifai, M.Biol.Sc., Senior Researcher at PR-EIJP BRIN.

Head of the Research Center for Industrial, Service, and Trade Economics (PR-EIJP), Dr. Umi Mu’awanah, opening the Technical Working Meeting on the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Mechanism for Coastal Conservation in Southeast Maluku, Bandung (10 December 2025)

In her remarks, Dr. Umi stressed that leadership changes within BRIN are shaping a new direction for national research. Going forward, research is expected not only to yield scientific breakthroughs but also address national strategic issues through cross-ministerial and cross-agency coordination. An applied research approach is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in addressing the challenges of fisheries management and coastal conservation. She emphasized that marine ecosystem protection cannot be separated from the need to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities who depend directly on these natural resources.

GEF-CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Dr. Adipati Rahmat, delivering guidance during the Technical Working Meeting of the Pilot Research Team on the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Financial Mechanism for Coastal Conservation in Southeast Maluku, Bandung (10 December 2025)

This perspective aligns with the vision of GEF-CFI Indonesia. Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-CFI Indonesia, expressed appreciation for BRIN’s support in conducting studies that are expected to serve as pilot models for PES implementation across Indonesia. He emphasized that PES mechanism is consistent with the project’s goals of strengthening ecosystem-based fisheries governance while empowering coastal communities. Through PES, conservation is no longer viewed as a burden, but as an opportunity. Local communities become not only stewards of the ecosystem, but also beneficiaries of tangible economic incentives from sustainable resource management.

During the research presentation session, the Research Team Leader, Dr. Siti Hajar Suryawati, reported progress from field implementation. The application of PES in Southeast Maluku is designed to protect coastal ecosystems through financial incentives, including the introduction of a user’s fee mechanism. The funds collected will be reinvested into resource management and conservation activities. This process is not carried out unilaterally, but through coordination with local stakeholders and active participation of indigenous communities. Support from the Vice Regent of Southeast Maluku serves as a positive signal that this initiative has gained legitimacy and attention from the local government.

Local experience from Southeast Maluku also became an important highlight in the discussions. Ahadar Tuhuteru, S.Pi., M.Si., Knowledge Management and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist of GEF 6, explained the best practices in customary tenure-based resource management through the Sasi Co-Management concept. Under this system, marine resource management is jointly conducted by Indigenous communities and government authorities. The traditional practice of sasi, which temporarily restricts resource harvesting, has demonstrated the effectiveness of community participation in sustaining natural resources.

CFI Indonesia has further developed Sasi Co-Management as a sustainable fisheries management model that integrates local wisdom with modern approaches such as GIS-based mapping and diving training. This collaboration involves Indigenous Peoples, government institutions, and a range of stakeholders, aiming to strengthen conservation while creating economic added value, for instance through the development of “sasi labels” for sustainable fishery products. The ultimate goal is to revitalize sasi as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) and recognize Indigenous Peoples as primary stewards of coastal ecosystems.

Conceptually, Payment for Ecosystem Services is an economic incentive mechanism in which beneficiaries of environmental services compensate ecosystem service providers to ensure that these services are maintained. PES serves as a strategic instrument to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration—government, private sector, academia, and local communities—in conservation efforts. Beyond being an economic tool, PES represents an integrative approach that links environmental protection with social welfare.

The discussions reaffirmed that successful conservation depends heavily on sound governance and robust data. Government cannot work alone. Synergy among all stakeholders is crucial to ensure optimal management of marine protected areas. Within the framework of an equitable blue economy, protected areas are not only preserved, but also utilized wisely to support sustainable economic activities and improve coastal community welfare without compromising the sustainability of marine ecosystem.