The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has led a comprehensive environmental initiative in Indonesia’s Thousand Islands, focusing on marine clean-up, coral restoration, and the release of juvenile clownfish. The campaign targeted Gusung and Macan islands north of Jakarta, where participants removed over 130 kg of marine waste in just 30 minutes, restored damaged coral fragments on artificial substrates, and released juvenile clownfish from protected nurseries to support reef regeneration. The activities highlighted both the severity of marine pollution and the tangible outcomes that coordinated action can achieve.
The initiative brought together a broad coalition, including Team Europe representatives, the Delegation of the European Union to ASEAN, EU Member State embassies in Jakarta, Indonesian authorities, civil society organisations, NGOs, think tanks, university students, and local community members. Close collaboration with the Langit Biru Pertiwi Foundation ensured that restoration and clean-up activities were implemented effectively, demonstrating how international and local partnerships can deliver measurable environmental benefits.
EIB Global emphasized the global significance of such efforts, linking small-scale actions to broader environmental objectives. EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer stressed that protecting marine ecosystems is a shared responsibility, and that this campaign strengthens long-term environmental and economic resilience in Indonesia. Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of EIB Group for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, highlighted that targeted activities such as debris removal, coral planting, and clownfish release contribute meaningfully to larger conservation goals and underscore the importance of continued cooperation between Team Europe and Indonesia.
European Union representatives reaffirmed their commitment to tackling environmental challenges through both small and large-scale initiatives. Ambassador H.E. Sujiro Seam noted that even modest actions can have significant impacts when combined with broader collaborative efforts. Indonesian authorities, including Regency Secretary Tri Indrawan, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the potential of the Thousand Islands to develop a sustainable blue economy while addressing the challenges of pollution and climate change.
Organized as part of EU Green Diplomacy Week, the campaign showcased practical steps toward environmental protection and sustainable development. EIB Global, as the EIB Group’s specialised international arm, supports global partnerships and development finance, contributing to initiatives aligned with EU policy objectives and fostering cooperation through Team Europe.
