Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Indonesia : A View from a Mangrove Ecologist

Abstract

As an archipelagic country with 17, 508 islands and more than 81, 000 km of coastline, Indonesia is among the globe's richest areas in biodiversity as well as marine assets. In each island of Indonesia, there is strong competition to use coastal resources. They are used for fishing, recreation, waste disposal, power generation, water supply, coal, building material and mineral sands extraction, forestry, farming, residential and industrial purposes. All these uses are in high demand and have become a source of conflicting interests. They need to be managed properly under an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) system. These uses are under the control of Government authorities (DKN [Dewan Kelautan Nasional], The National Oceans Council, that later become The National Maritime Council) and various different groups. Increasing pressures are being felt in the development and rationalisation of the various uses.