Center hosts panel discussion on sustainable and equitable ocean governance

The Center for Human Rights and International Justice recently held a discussion entitled “Toward Socially and Environmentally Sustainable Oceans,” which elevated the work of the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative to advocate for sustainable and equitable ocean governance in Indonesia. 

Fadilla Octaviani, Chief Operating Officer of the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, and Stephanie Juwana, Program Director of the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative, were joined by Liz Selig, Deputy Director of the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, and David Cohen, Faculty Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice, in a panel moderated by Jessie Brunner, Associate Director for Strategy and Program Development for the Center for Human Rights and International Justice. As an installation of Stanford Global Studies’ “Oceanic Imaginary Series,” the panel focused on Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative’s work in the intersection of social and environmental sustainability. After three years of partnership between the Indonesian and American panelists, this trip has marked their first opportunity to work together in person. 

Since its founding, the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative has supported the government of Indonesia in mainstreaming, implementing, and enforcing sustainable ocean practices. Founded by multiple former members of the President’s Task Force to Combat Illegal Fishing, including Octaviani and Juwana, the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative has prioritized decision-making at every level of government, empowering small scale fishermen and marginalized coastal communities, and partnering with grassroots communities to increase public awareness about human rights at sea in Indonesia. With over 6.4 million square kilometers of ocean assets and potential to expand fisheries, maritime transportation, and marine tourism sectors, Indonesia is positioned to continue utilizing its oceans for economic development, but as this occurs, it is critical that special attention is given to human rights abuses and injustices. 

Octaviani and Juwana highlighted some of the Indonesian Ocean Justice Institute’s primary projects in the past few years. Their Blue Carbon Ecosystem Governance initiative has focused on assessing regulations on mangrove protection and management, research to identify causes of challenge in law enforcement, and an assessment on the financial viability of community-led blue carbon projects. They have also worked with the government to develop local regulation for small-scale fisheries protections, focusing especially on fair distribution, affirmative action, access to market, and education. Recently, they have also been developing a digital platform that will engage with workers and companies to increase knowledge of labor laws and restrictions. 

Selig and Cohen shared that as the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative expands its work, it will be critical to make new partnerships beyond traditional ones in the ocean space and further expand the horizons of where social and environmental sustainability meet. Selig commented on the impressive ability of the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative to move from “insight to impact” and the future of sustainable coalition building. Cohen praised the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative, among other NGOs in Indonesia, including the Institute for an Independent Judiciary (LeIP), for their unique ability to interface with the government in ways that have direct impact through evidence-based methodologies and quality policy recommendations that interface with government in productive ways. 

Octaviani and Juwana shared that the future of the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative is rooted in their focused strategic planning  and ability to adapt to evolving situations. As they seek ways to upscale their efforts with ASEAN and increase the breadth of their outreach, they look forward to continued partnership with the Center for Ocean Solutions and the Center for Human Rights and International Justice.