Blue Economy as a Pathway to SDG 14 in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the implementation of the Blue Economy in Indonesia and its potential contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14: Life Below Water), focusing on key enabling factors, implementation challenges, and policy directions. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs a qualitative systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework. Forty-two publications were initially identified through systematic searches of Scopus, Google Scholar, and SINTA-accredited journals, supplemented by secondary data from the World Bank, Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Bappenas, and UNEP. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 28 sources published between 2020 and 2025 were included. Content analysis and thematic synthesis were used to identify recurring patterns and develop an integrated implementation framework. Findings: Indonesia has substantial potential to leverage the Blue Economy for SDG 14, but implementation is constrained by fragmented marine data systems, weak inter-agency coordination, limited regional institutional and financial capacity, fisheries overcapacity, and inconsistent law enforcement. Persistent challenges in marine pollution reduction, sustainable fisheries management, and fisheries subsidy reform continue to impede progress toward SDG 14. An adaptive multi-stakeholder governance approach is therefore required, supported by integrated marine data, fisheries policy reform, sustainable financing, institutional capacity building, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Research Implications: This study develops a context-specific framework linking Blue Economy implementation with SDG 14 in an archipelagic developing economy. The findings provide policy directions for strengthening ocean governance, sustainable financing, and stakeholder collaboration to accelerate Indonesia’s progress toward the 2030 SDG agenda.