The Ocean Centres initiative is a strategic program initiated by the UN Global Compact (UNGC), in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF), aiming to address safety and sustainability challenges in the ocean economy sector, particularly in developing countries. This program establishes Ocean Centres in seven countries—Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Ghana, Brazil, and Indonesia—to address safety-related issues in the maritime industry in a more specific and contextualized manner, while introducing new, safer, and more sustainable standards.

As one of the world’s largest ocean economies, Indonesia holds a strategic position in supporting this initiative. Indonesia’s oceans contributed approximately 7.9% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 and are projected to reach 15% by 2045. However, alongside this great potential, Indonesia also faces major safety challenges in the maritime sector. In this context, the Ocean Centres serve as a multi-stakeholder platform that connects government, industry, civil society, and academia to co-create locally driven and evidence-based solutions.

The Ocean Centres Indonesia operates under the coordination of the UN Global Compact Network Indonesia (IGCN), which serves as the national coordinator for this initiative. As part of the UNGC global network, IGCN plays a vital role in driving the sustainability agenda in Indonesia, particularly in the maritime sector that forms the backbone of the national economy. With this mandate, IGCN is committed to ensuring that Ocean Centres Indonesia are not only aligned with local needs but also adhere to higher global standards for maritime safety and sustainability.

It is important to note that the approach of the Ocean Centres focuses not only on the sustainability of the ocean economy but also on embedding safety in every phase of the transition toward a blue economy. In light of global challenges facing the maritime sector, this initiative emphasizes the importance of putting safety at the heart of sustainability. Without a safety-first approach, sustainability efforts risk unintended consequences for workers, assets, the environment, and infrastructure.

By emphasizing safety, Ocean Centres aim to promote solutions that not only drive the growth of a productive ocean economy but also prioritize worker welfare, environmental protection, asset and investment security, and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Through this, IGCN Ocean Centres invites stakeholders to collaborate in shaping better policies, regulations, and standards while fostering a strong safety culture in Indonesia’s maritime sector.

Following the international launch of the Ocean Centres on 10 June 2025 in Nice, France, this Grand Launch of IGCN Ocean Centres aims to formally introduce the initiative’s role in advancing a safe and sustainable ocean economy in Indonesia. The event will invite a diverse group of stakeholders to join forces in establishing better maritime safety standards, both locally and with global impact.

Objectives

• Officially announce the establishment of IGCN Ocean Centres Indonesia to national and international audiences.
• Introduce the mandate, roles, structure, and work plan of Ocean Centres Indonesia.
• Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration (government, business, academia, NGOs, trade unions, international development partners, etc.).
• Encourage active participation from Champion Companies, Knowledge Partners, and Ally Partners in IGCN Ocean Centres’ agenda.
• Present the 2025–2026 program roadmap (8 local workshops, 2 cross-country workshops, policy development, advocacy).

• Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2025

• Time: 09:00 – 13:00 WIB
• Venue: Bappenas, Jl. Taman Suropati No.62, Jakarta 10310

Stakeholders identified, mapped, and involved in the Ocean Centres initiative

• Official declaration of the Grand Launch of IGCN Ocean Centres Indonesia.
• Affirmation of commitments from Champion Companies, Members, Knowledge Partners, and Ally Partners.
• Official publication and media documentation.
• Dissemination of the 2025–2026 program roadmap.