JAKARTA, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Wednesday that Indonesia is committed to preparing as much as 5 million U.S. dollars in financial assistance to help fellow island states address climate change challenges and develop sustainable ocean management.
"The funding is expected to contribute to sustainable development. The funding is set to be spent for several concrete work projects, such as scholarship grants for people from coastal communities, the development of the Blue Startup Hub, and training for the digitalization of small and medium enterprises," Widodo said at a press conference at the 2023 Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum held in Indonesia's Bali resort island.
"Hopefully, the grant can also bring strategic benefits related to marine carbon accounting and mangrove forest conservation. For Indonesia, the sea is not something that separates us; it is instead a unifier, the glue that connects us," he added.
Widodo also called on island and archipelagic states to maintain unity and collaboration amid global uncertainty, noting their collaboration and unity are needed to overcome global challenges.
The AIS is a cooperation forum for island and archipelagic states worldwide. This year, its agenda focuses on strengthening collaboration to address climate change issues, such as the management of plastic waste in the sea and maritime management. ■
