Indonesia Urges Enhanced Ocean Climate Action Ahead of COP31

Indonesia has called on the international community to emphasize the crucial role of oceans in climate action, ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UNFCCC, scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2026. During the Annual Meeting of the Leaders of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) in New York on September 23, 2026, Ambassador Ricky Suhendar, Director General of International Law and Treaties at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed the message that oceans are central to climate action. "The ocean is a central element of climate action. International cooperation based on the principles of equality and just transition is important to strengthen ocean-based climate solutions. That is the message that should be continuously promoted by all Ocean Panel countries," stated Suhendar in a written statement. The annual meeting, themed "Ocean-Climate Leadership on the Road to COP31 UNFCCC," focused on strengthening leadership and cooperation to accelerate the implementation of ocean-climate nexus actions. The meeting was co-chaired by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., and attended by the Presidents of Ghana and Namibia, along with ministers and representatives from 14 other Ocean Panel member states. Beyond emphasizing the central role of oceans in climate action, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the ocean-climate nexus through marine conservation, blue carbon initiatives, and coastal resilience. Domestically, Presidential Regulation No. 110/2025, which enhances the role of the marine and fisheries sector in national climate change mitigation, is also in effect. Indonesia urged the Ocean Panel to play a strategic role in two key areas: ocean financing and ocean accounting. Ocean financing is deemed essential to translate ocean-climate action commitments into tangible implementation, while strengthening ocean accounting is vital for supporting data- and evidence-based policymaking. Through this meeting, Indonesia reiterated its commitment to strengthening international collaboration in preserving oceans as a sustainable climate solution for future generations and to promoting concrete steps towards fair, equitable, and inclusive ocean governance. The Ocean Panel was initiated in 2018 by the Norwegian Prime Minister, with Indonesia being one of its founding members. Currently, the Ocean Panel comprises 19 countries, collectively representing approximately 50% of the world's coastlines and 45% of the global Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The panel has produced various action agendas, studies, and policy recommendations to foster a sustainable ocean economy, including "Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy" and numerous Blue Papers and thematic reports. Source: Liputan6