Strengthening Indonesia’s role in the ASEAN blue economy through policy and roadmap alignment

Indonesia's expansive maritime domain and geostrategic position in Southeast Asia underscore its critical role in advancing sustainable ocean governance through the blue economy paradigm. This study examines the alignment between Indonesia's Blue Economy Roadmap (2023-2045) and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework (2023), intending to assess policy coherence, institutional coordination, and implementation synergies at both national and regional levels. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology and a meta-synthesis of policy documents, institutional reports, and scholarly literature. The analysis evaluates four dimensions of alignment: vision and objectives, institutional arrangements, implementation mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement. The findings demonstrate substantial convergence in sustainability-oriented priorities, inclusive economic growth, and ecosystem stewardship, particularly across five strategic pillars: blue bioeconomy, blue financing, ecosystem restoration, governance coordination, and marine data systems. Both frameworks articulate a shared commitment to integrating ecological resilience with economic transformation. Nonetheless, persistent challenges remain, including fragmented marine data management, limited inter-ministerial coordination, and insufficient mechanisms for local community participation. By strategically aligning its national roadmap with regional priorities, Indonesia can catalyze cohesive and resilient maritime governance. More broadly, the study contributes to the literature on regional ocean governance by positioning ASEAN as a potential global exemplar of sustainable and inclusive blue economic transformation.