Media Release
8 July 2026
Australia and Indonesia today hosted the Regional Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Workshop in Jakarta, bringing together maritime officials and experts from across Southeast Asia to strengthen marine environment cooperation and underscore shared commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous region.
“This workshop demonstrated the value of partnership in protecting the oceans and supporting the communities and economies that depend on it," said Alex Oates, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. "By bringing together marine experts and officials from across Southeast Asia, we created a platform to share knowledge, strengthen professional networks and build practical cooperation on maritime challenges."
Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Australia shared experiences and expertise in MPA planning, management and ocean conservation, and identified opportunities to collaborate on the implementation of the landmark High Seas Biodiversity (BBNJ) Treaty.
“Indonesia is proud to co-host this inaugural Regional MPA Workshop with Australia, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable ocean management,” said Dr Firdaus Agung, , Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. “This workshop provides an important platform for regional partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen capacity, and advance cooperation on marine protected areas and the implementation of the BBNJ Treaty. We look forward to working with our regional partners to promote effective ocean governance and the sustainable use of our shared marine resources.”
A healthy and productive ocean underpins food security, livelihoods, tourism and economic growth across Southeast Asia. MPAs play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable fisheries, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and helping countries meet their obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The workshop fostered regional collaboration on shared marine challenges, with participants exchanging practical lessons on governance, surveillance, enforcement and scientific research. It also provided a platform for participating countries to identify opportunities for future cooperation.
This workshop was delivered through Australia’s Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships which supports regional partners to respond to maritime challenges.
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