CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Hosts Second Meeting to Finalize Presidential Regulation

On March 27, 2024, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat hosted the second meeting for the development of the Presidential Regulation to ratify the Host Country Agreement (HCA) Between the Government Of The Republic Of Indonesia And The Regional Secretariat Of The Coral Triangle Initiative On Coral Reefs, Fisheries And Food Security On Hosting And Granting Of Privileges And Immunities. This gathering, held in a hybrid format at the Regional Secretariat in Manado, aimed to solidify crucial aspects that are outlined in the draft Presidential Regulation.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Executive Director Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, acknowledging the significance of the HCA in guiding collaborative efforts within the Coral Triangle region and looked forward to the HCA being formally ratified by the President. Mr. Moh. Hosin, representing the Legal Bureau of MMAF, assumed the role of the meeting chair, emphasizing the importance of aligning regulatory efforts with the principles set forth in the HCA.

Present at the meeting – whether in-person or virtually – were essential delegates from diverse ministries, such as the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the State Secretariat Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Also joining were Deputy Executive Director for Corporate Services Mr. Hanung Cahyono and Deputy Executive Director for Program Services Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu from the Regional Secretariat.

Deliberations during the meeting centered on finalizing the draft Presidential Regulation to ratify the HCA signed in January 2023. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions, emphasizing the need for coherence and synergy between the regulatory framework and the overarching principles outlined in the agreement.

Looking ahead, stakeholders anticipate a forthcoming meeting dedicated to the harmonization process. It is projected that the regulation will be ready for signing by June 2024, coinciding with the Coral Triangle Day celebration. Following the meeting, all attendees convened for iftar and dinner, during which informal and friendly discussions persisted.