Blue Abadi Fund’s 18th Governance Committee Meeting Reviews 2025 Program Achievements and Prepares for 6th Grant Cycle

Jakarta, October 29, 2025 — The Blue Abadi Fund (BAF) once again convened its 18th Governance Committee (Governance Committee/GC) Meeting, held at the KEHATI Foundation office on Jalan Benda Alam, South Jakarta. This meeting served as a crucial forum for BAF stakeholders to review the progress of conservation program implementation through September 2025, while simultaneously formulating strategic directions for the future, including plans for the opening of the 6th grant cycle scheduled for 2026.

During the meeting, the KEHATI Foundation, acting as the BAF Administrator, presented a comprehensive report on program achievements in the Bird’s Head Seascape (BHS) region of West Papua and Southwest Papua. Various activities conducted throughout the year focused on the protection of a conservation area spanning 5.2 million hectares, environmental education, empowerment programs involving local Papuan indigenous communities, and the protection of endangered species and critical ecosystems. Additionally, BAF reported on the progress of its outreach program aimed at strengthening collaboration and increasing funding support for sustainable conservation efforts in the BHS region.

The meeting also addressed the latest developments regarding the investment value of the endowment fund which serves as the source of long-term funding for marine conservation activities in Papua. Through this endowment scheme,  BAF ensures the sustainability of support for local partner institutions and indigenous communities who play a pivotal role in maintaining the preservation of marine ecosystems.

The BAF Governance Committee was attended in person by several key stakeholders, including Riki Frindos (Executive Director of KEHATI Foundation), Rony Megawanto (Program Director of KEHATI Foundation), Indra Gunawan (Finance Director of KEHATI Foundation), and BAF Governance Committee Dr. Kusdiantoro from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Also in attendance was the Vice Governor of West Papua, Mohamad Lakotani, who officially joined as a new GC member representing the local government, alongside other members such as Frida Kelasin, Meity Mongdong, Sarah Whitemore from Nia Tero, as well BAF Governance Committee dan BAF Advisory Committee members participating virtually.

In his opening remarks, Riki Frindos welcomed the Vice Governor of West Papua, who was attending a BAF GC meeting at the KEHATI office for the first time. "We warmly welcome the presence of Mr. Mohamad Lakotani and his joining as a member of the BAF Governance Committee. Our great hope is that BAF can strengthen its presence and provide broad benefits, particularly in empowering local Papuan communities and reinforcing various efforts to protect conservation areas in the Bird’s Head Seascape," he stated.

Meanwhile, West Papua Vice Governor Mohamad Lakotani expressed his appreciation for BAF's role as a long-term funding mechanism supporting the sustainability of marine resources in West Papua and Southwest Papua. "As a representative of the local government, we view the Blue Abadi Fund as a strategic partner making tangible contributions to guarding marine wealth and empowering indigenous communities who live side-by-side with nature. Going forward, we hope this collaboration can be further strengthened so that conservation efforts not only impact environmental preservation but also improve the welfare of coastal communities. The West Papua Government is ready to commit to supporting the sustainability of the BAF program and establishing the Bird’s Head Seascape region as a model for inclusive and sustainable conservation area management," he explained.

In addition to discussing progress reports and program plans, the meeting approved the Blue Abadi Fund Communication Strategy 2025–2030. This document will serve as a guide in strengthening BAF’s identity and visibility as a sustainable conservation funding institution. The strategy focuses on strengthening BAF's identity as a grant-making institution that ensures sustainable financing for marine conservation and local community empowerment, highlighting the tangible impact of programs through evidence-based storytelling, expanding the engagement of local Papuan indigenous communities and mobilizing stakeholders, from indigenous groups to donor partners ,creating advocacy opportunities and influencing policy to strengthen conservation outcomes at both national and regional levels.

The 18th Governance Committee Meeting also marked the preparation plans for the opening of the Blue Abadi Fund’s 6th Grant Cycle this coming November. Budgets have been approved to support various marine conservation programs, species protection, indigenous community empowerment, and environmental education in West Papua and Southwest Papua. Through this grant mechanism, BAF is committed to continuously strengthening the role of local partners and ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts at the grassroots level.

Since its launch in 2017, the Blue Abadi Fund—managed by the KEHATI Foundation with support from international partners such as Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and WWF—has become the first model of sustainable marine conservation funding in Indonesia. This endowment fund ensures funding sustainability for the management of marine conservation areas in the Bird’s Head Seascape, one of the world's richest centers of marine biodiversity. With the achievements realized and the strategic direction agreed upon in this meeting, BAF and all partners are committed to continuing to guard the sustainability of Papua's marine ecosystems, empower indigenous communities, and ensure that the benefits of conservation are felt fairly and sustainably by future generations.