National Forum Identifies Key Priorities for Coral Reef Restoration in Indonesia

A national forum on coral reef restoration in Indonesia has identified several priorities to strengthen restoration efforts nationwide, including establishing a Coral Stock Center, streamlining licensing procedures, and improving access to sustainable financing.

Held on 8-10 September 2026 and hosted by Coral Triangle Center (CTC), the National Forum on Coral Reef Restoration brought together approximately 45 government representatives, researchers, scientists, and restoration practitioners, both in person and online, to share experiences and develop policy and technical recommendations for decision-makers.

Jointly initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), BRIN, SCORES, HATI (Himpunan Ahli Terumbu Karang Indonesia), CTC, Reef Check Indonesia, and WWF Coral Triangle Programme (WWF CTP), the three-day forum combined scientific findings, field observations, and practical experiences to inform the recommendations.

The forum opened with remarks from CTC Executive Director Rili Djohani and MMAF Director of Conservation Ecosystem Firdaus Agung. SCORES then presented the findings of its study on coral reef restoration in Indonesia, followed by presentations from MMAF, BRIN, and several scientists from HATI. The sessions covered ongoing restoration and different approaches across the country.

On the second day, participants visited the Living Seas coral reef restoration site in Padang Bai, where they observed restoration activities during a series of dives. They later met with the Living Seas team to discuss implementation challenges, lessons learned, and examples of successful restoration efforts.

On the final day, coral reef restoration practitioners from across Indonesia shared their experiences, including CTC Senior Marine Conservation Advisor Marthen Welly, who presented CTC’s coral reef restoration program in Nusa Penida. Participants also provided input on the draft policy brief and technical brief for coral reef restoration in Indonesia.

Discussions highlighted the need for a National Guideline for Coral Reef Restoration in Indonesia and a Coral Stock Center that includes coral larval sources and a genetic bank. Participants also recommend simplifying licensing and registration processes for restoration activities, adopting smart restoration approaches to adapt to climate change, developing sustainable financing mechanisms, and strengthening training for restoration practitioners.

The National Forum brought together scientific research, policy perspectives, and practical experience to strengthen coral reef restoration in Indonesia. Moving forward, continued collaboration and collective action will be essential to turn these recommendations into meaningful progress for Indonesia’s coral reefs.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra
Photos: Marthen Welly/CTC, Kayla Azzahra/CTC, Pitro/Living Seas