Implementation of Governance Capacity on Blue Economy Development Policy in Coastal Areas: A Case Study from East Nusa Tenggara Province

The capacity for governance is a critical factor that influences the success of implementing public policy. However, studies focusing on the capacity for governance in relation to the development of blue economy development policies are scarce. A previous research has mainly been conducted on the topics of climate change, urban issues, and covid-19, while blue economy research has mainly focused on economic and environmental aspects. This paper aims to examine the implementation of the governance capacity on blue economy development policy in the coastal area, with East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province as a case study locus. Using a qualitative case study research method, the data obtained from semi-structured in-depth interviews from five key informants, field observations, and an examination of policy documents, such as the Long-Term and Medium-Term Regional Development Plan. The data analysis process encompasses five theoretic dimensions: collective action, coordination, resilience, learning, and resources. The results demonstrate that the implementation of governance capacity on blue economy development policy is rather poor and sub-optimal across all the dimensions, which hinders the optimization of the marine economic potential—which stands at US$1.33 trillion, yet actual exports amount to only US$6.24 billion. Such problems are structural and interdependent, thus impeding the realization of the full potential of the marine economy. This study makes a theoretical contribution in building upon the conceptual framework of van Popering-Verkerk et al., proving that there exists a causality between the five dimensions of governance capacity and forming a “vicious cycle” of their collective impact. Regarding practical implications, this research argues that the development of the blue economy cannot be realized without governance reform.