Technological Innovation Strengthens Management of Savu Sea Marine National Park

Technological innovation has become a key factor in strengthening the management of Indonesia's marine conservation areas. Through the Global Ocean Innovation Challenge (GOIC), two cutting-edge technological solutions will be piloted at the Savu Sea Marine Marine National Park (TNP), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). These innovations aim to optimise monitoring and provide more accurate data to support decision-making in area governance. The pilot launch took place in Kupang on Wednesday (12/8/2026) during the "Blue Synergy for Savu Sea Marine National Park" forum.

GOIC is an initiative developed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC),  Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), and Newlab to promote the development and implementation of innovative solutions addressing marine challenges. In the Sawu Sea, Havoc from the United States will test an Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV), an unmanned ship that can extend monitoring coverage. Meanwhile, blueOASIS from Portugal will test AI-based underwater acoustic monitoring stations to detect marine mammals and track conservation area activities more effectively.

The blueOASIS technology will be trialled on Batek, Ndao, Salura, and Sabu islands, while the Havoc technology will be tested off Sabu Island.

Savu Sea Marine National Park is Indonesia’s largest national marine conservation area, spanning 3.35 million hectares. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, it boasts high marine biodiversity and serves as a migratory route for various marine mammals. The vast area and island-based geography require cross-sector collaboration and advanced technology to enhance management effectiveness.

“Conservation area management must continuously adapt to advances in science and technology. Innovation can improve monitoring effectiveness, strengthen data availability, and support informed decision-making. However, its implementation should align with management needs and be integrated into existing systems,” said Firdaus Agung, Director of Ecosystem Conservation at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

According to Firdaus, the pilot in Savu Sea is not only about testing technology but also understanding its real-world benefits for area management.

“This pilot is an important opportunity to learn how innovative solutions can provide tangible benefits for conservation management,” he added.

This perspective aligns with field management needs. Imam Fauzi, Head of the Kupang Marine Management Centre, stressed that technology is meaningful when it reinforces existing systems rather than replacing them.

“Technology is not here to replace current management systems, but to strengthen them. With the vastness of the Savu Sea, we must keep developing new approaches to improve monitoring and enforcement,” he said.

Imam added that the GOIC pilot is expected to demonstrate how technology can be applied in real conditions in the Savu Sea. The insights gained will help determine the most suitable technological applications for the park’s management needs.

Thus, technological innovation is positioned as part of a broader collaborative ecosystem. The data produced goes beyond monitoring; it is expected to inform planning, improve decision-making, and deepen understanding of the area’s conditions.

In addition to supporting technological integration, YKAN continues to strengthen the management of the Savu Sea Marine National Park through four complementary strategies: marine protection, sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience and the blue economy. These approaches are realised through programmes with government, communities, and other stakeholders.

Acting Head of East Nusa Tenggara’s Marine and Fisheries Agency, Stefania T. Boro, emphasised that close collaboration among government, research institutions, academia, NGOs, fishing groups, businesses, and development partners is crucial for harmonised and inclusive marine and fisheries management. She highlighted sustainable seaweed farming as an opportunity to align economic and conservation interests.

Furthermore, managing the Savu Sea must not only preserve the conservation area but also deliver tangible benefits to local communities. Collaborative efforts, including technology adoption and strengthening management, are expected to sustain fisheries, enhance local management capacity, and improve coastal community welfare.

“Management of the Savu Sea must benefit the community while ensuring ecosystem sustainability. Sustainable seaweed cultivation is a flagship commodity in NTT, supported by YKAN. This approach must consider productivity, environmental carrying capacity, and community capability,” she said.

Muhammad Ilman, YKAN’s Ocean Program Director, stated that management of the Sawu Sea must be built through interconnected approaches.

“The Savu Sea has immense ecological and social value, with complex, cross-regional management challenges. Therefore, stakeholders must work together, share knowledge and data, and align their support. Technology is one of the tools that can help address these challenges,” he said.

With strengthened collaboration and technological support, the management of the Savu Sea Marine National Park is expected to not only safeguard marine ecosystems but also ensure the sea remains a healthy living space that provides sustainable benefits for the community.