Oslo — The convening of the first Indonesia–Norway Ocean Dialogue in Oslo in late October 2025 represents a potentially significant development in the evolving landscape of blue economy diplomacy. The forum, a direct result of the June 2025 Joint Declaration on Partnership for a Prosperous and Sustainable Future, highlights a growing strategic interest among Southeast Asian nations to leverage maritime resources while simultaneously addressing global challenges like climate change. Analyzing the dialogue’s scope, participants, and stated objectives reveals both promising opportunities and inherent complexities in fostering collaborative approaches to ocean governance.
The immediate impetus for the dialogue stems from several converging geopolitical trends. Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, possesses immense, largely untapped marine resources – fisheries, minerals, energy – and a coastline stretching over 5,400 kilometers. Simultaneously, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the global push for decarbonization demand innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Norway, a leader in renewable energy and a nation deeply invested in ocean conservation, presents a valuable counterpoint, particularly given its established expertise in carbon pricing and sustainable maritime practices. The Jakarta government’s strategic vision of transforming the ocean into a cornerstone of economic growth, coupled with Norway’s demonstrated commitment to blue economy initiatives, creates a compelling foundation for a multi-faceted partnership.
The scope of the dialogue reflects this convergence. Discussions centered on four key areas: blue economy development, marine technology, low-emission energy solutions, and sustainable marine tourism. The explicit mention of “marine technology” is notable, suggesting potential collaboration on areas like ocean observation, resource mapping, and the development of innovative maritime infrastructure. The focus on “low-emission energy” dovetails with Norway’s commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and Indonesia’s ambitions for renewable energy generation. “Sustainable marine tourism” represents a crucial element, recognizing the potential for tourism to generate revenue while minimizing environmental impact.
Key stakeholders included the Indonesian and Norwegian governments, represented by senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Forestry, and Climate and Environment. Notably, participation from organizations like NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development), the Rainforest Foundation Norway, SSB (Statistics Norway), CICERO, and the University of Oslo demonstrates a deliberate effort to integrate scientific research and policy development. "We are seeing a shift in multilateral diplomacy," explains Dr. Ingrid Brathen, Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. "States are increasingly recognizing the need to engage with a broader range of actors – research institutions, NGOs – to address complex challenges like ocean degradation. The Indonesia-Norway dialogue is a clear illustration of this trend." The inclusion of these institutions emphasizes the need for rigorous data-driven decision-making, a critical component of effective blue economy strategies.
The Roundtable Discussion on Methods of Carbon Pricing: Carbon Sequestration of Forests and Avoided Emissions further solidifies the strategic alignment. This initiative, facilitated by the Indonesian Embassy in Oslo and involving multiple research institutions, suggests a concerted effort to establish a credible and high-integrity carbon market mechanism. This is particularly relevant given Indonesia’s vast forest cover and its commitment to REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) programs. “A robust carbon market is essential for both Indonesia’s climate goals and the broader global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” states Professor Lars Hansen of CICERO Centre for Climate Research. “The collaboration with Norway, with its expertise in carbon pricing, is a strategically important step.”
Short-term outcomes of the dialogue are likely to include the formalization of specific projects and pilot programs. The Indonesian government’s announcement of the Ocean Impact Summit 2026 in Bali demonstrates a long-term commitment and provides a platform for further engagement. However, the dialogue’s ultimate success hinges on translating these discussions into concrete action. Challenges remain, including navigating differing national priorities, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing, and addressing potential conflicts related to resource management. The establishment of a ‘high-integrity’ carbon market presents significant technical and political hurdles.
Looking ahead, the Indonesia-Norway partnership serves as a potentially influential case study for other nations seeking to develop their own blue economies. Its success could encourage greater engagement between Southeast Asian countries and other developed nations with maritime interests. Over the next 5-10 years, the partnership’s impact will be determined by its ability to drive innovation in sustainable maritime technologies, generate substantial climate finance, and contribute to global efforts to preserve ocean health. The Jakarta government’s commitment to the Ocean Impact Summit, combined with sustained collaboration with Norway, represents a significant, if nascent, step towards realizing the ocean's potential as a catalyst for both economic prosperity and global environmental stewardship. The dialogue underscores a fundamental shift: ocean governance is no longer solely the domain of nation-states; it demands a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach – a critical lesson for a planet increasingly defined by its interconnectedness.