One Step Closer: Riau Islands Provincial Government Implements BLUD System to Support Sustainable Funding for Ocean Conservation Area Management

From 11-13 August 2025, the Riau Islands Provincial Government, supported by Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) through the Koralestari Program, held a workshop to draft the Governor Regulation of Riau Islands on Governance Patterns, Strategic Plans, and Minimum Service Standards for BLUD UPTD of Marine Conservation Area Management.

“This is an important process before the Technical Guidance and Workshop on BLUD System Implementation Assessment takes place on 15 August 2025. The draft regulation on Governance Patterns, Strategic Plans, and Minimum Service Standards will be a key part of the evaluation conducted by the BLUD Implementation Assessment Team, chaired by the Regional Secretary of Riau Islands Province. We also appreciate YKAN’s continuous support in the sustainable management process of Marine Conservation Areas in Riau Islands Province, from the establishment of UPTD as a management body to the implementation of the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) System. YKAN has been an advisory team for the BLUD Assessment Team and will continue to strengthen the system after BLUD is established,” explained Said Sudrajad, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Office of Riau Islands Province.

Said added that the implementation of the BLUD system will provide UPTD Ocean Conservation Areas in Riau Islands Province with direct flexibility to manage revenue from environmental service fees and other income for the operational needs of conservation areas without going through the regional budget (APBD) mechanism. This scheme is one of the government’s innovations to improve public services.

In practice, the budget for managing conservation areas will be used for activities such as controlling zone utilization, monitoring activities, raising awareness, environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism to preserve ecology and enhance the economic benefits of conservation areas for the community.

In practice, the budget allocated for managing conservation areas will be utilized for various activities, including controlling zone utilization, monitoring activities, raising awareness, environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism. These efforts aim to preserve the ecological balance and maximize the economic benefits of conservation areas for the local community.

The Ocean Conservation Areas managed by the Riau Islands Provincial Government cover 1,716,538.25 hectares. Two established Conservation Areas are the East Bintan Island Ocean Tourism Park Conservation Area and the Conservation Area in Bintan II-Tambelan Waters. Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade the status from reserve to established in three areas: Lingga waters, Batam waters, and Natuna waters.

“The implementation of the BLUD system for Ocean Conservation Area management in Riau Islands is a strategic step to ensure the sustainability of marine resources. This mechanism allows for more professional, transparent, and results-oriented management of conservation areas. YKAN is fully committed to supporting the Riau Islands Provincial Government in managing marine conservation areas effectively and sustainably,” concluded Muhammad Ilman, Director of the Ocean Program at YKAN.