Overview

One of the largest archipelagic countries in the world, Indonesia comprises more than 17,000 islands with a total area of 7.81 million km². This expanse breaks down into 1.9o million km² of land and 3.25 million km² of ocean.[1] Moreover, some 2.8 million households across the country are directly involved in the marine commodities industry. It is therefore fair to say that the ocean has become a vital source of survival for the national economy, as millions of Indonesians rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, as well as for food and pleasure.[2]