UN in Indonesia Newsletter Volume 6 2022

Dear Readers,

As an archipelago with oceans covering more than two-thirds of the country's territory, building a sustainable marine economy is critical for Indonesia. Indonesia is strategically positioned to lead and influence political and economic stability and ocean development in the region.

A sustainable and prosperous ocean-based economy can contribute to higher income activities that can be channeled back into conservation, foster sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, and conserve marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

In this issue, you will read how the UN team in Indonesia, together with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and Development Partners, is accelerating the alignment of the National Blue Agenda Actions Partnership. With this Partnership, we aim to scale up Indonesia's "blue agenda" and maximize Indonesia's untapped maritime resources in a sustainable way, for the greater good.

As you flip through the pages, you will find stories of how UN agencies in Indonesia are working to bring the UN closer to the people it serves. For example, UNFPA is working with BKKBN on issues related to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly; WHO and UNICEF are accelerating the country's catch-up immunization to address setbacks in childhood vaccination, among others.

In the profile section, you will read an inspiring story from Mr. Dekha Dewandana - co-founder of a village tourism group in Buleleng, Bali - on how his hospitality business survived the pandemic with the help of UN interventions.

I hope you enjoy this latest edition of the newsletter.

Thank you, and happy reading,