Aside from being known for its natural beauty, Lombok Island also boasts abundant marine resources, which are expected to drive development for the local community. However, despite this, the contribution of its marine resources to the welfare of the community and economic growth remains limited.
Although the concept of the Blue Economy has been a hot topic, there is little research delving into the relationship between the sea and poverty on Lombok Island. This article highlights that while the potential of Lombok’s Blue Economy is significant, it has not successfully eradicated poverty due to local conditions that do not support the effective implementation of this concept.
Various factors such as financial issues, limited human resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of government goodwill hinder the maximization of Lombok’s marine potential. This study identifies five main sectors of the Blue Economy on the island, but states that despite abundant marine resources, progress achieved is far from satisfactory.
Even though it has been five years since the Blue Economy pilot project began, Lombok Island has yet to make significant progress towards achieving the shared goal of improving the welfare of the local community. Information obtained from informants indicates difficulties in implementing the concept of the Blue Economy in Lombok, thus the abundant marine resources have not been maximized to enhance the welfare of the community.
Stagnation in the implementation of the Blue Economy on Lombok Island illustrates the challenge of shifting from a land-based to a maritime-based mindset. Although the maritime sector contributes to food security, it has not significantly improved the welfare of the local communities, especially on small islands.
Moreover, regulations and policies related to the Blue Economy often do not support the welfare of local communities, making the concept counterproductive in poverty alleviation efforts.
Collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including the government, communities, and non-governmental organizations, are needed to overcome challenges in implementing the Blue Economy on Lombok Island. Additionally, further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced and to find appropriate and sustainable solutions.