Continuing its commitment to enriching public discourse, the Center for Natural Resources Governance Studies (NRGS) at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, launched the second episode of its educational podcast series, “NRGS Talk.” With the theme “Ocean Minerals: The Future of Energy and Technology,” the discussion held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Building B of the Faculty of Law, UGM, facilitated an interdisciplinary dialogue to explore the potential and challenges of managing deep-sea mineral resources in Indonesia.
This discussion series, broadcast through the FH UGM Knowledge channel on YouTube, aims to bridge the gap between academic discourse and the general public. This episode featured two experts with complementary expertise: Dr. Agustina Merdekawati, S.H., LL.M., an international law expert from the Faculty of Law, UGM, and I Made Andi Arsana, ST, ME, Ph.D, an expert in geodesy from the Faculty of Engineering, UGM, who provided insights from the perspective of technology and resource mapping.
In her presentation, Dr. Agustina Merdekawati emphasized the aspect of justice from an international law perspective, where the current regulatory framework has the potential to marginalize developing countries. “Without a revision of the Continental Shelf, the sea will only become an arena for technologically advanced countries to compete, while justice for other countries is neglected,” she said, emphasizing the need for global policy reform. Complementing this view, I Made Andi Arsana, ST, ME, Ph.D, asserted that ownership rights alone are not enough. “Historical rights give Indonesia a foundation, but only with strong regulations, advanced technology, and global cooperation can that potential be truly realized,” he explained.
The dialogue in this podcast highlights a crucial convergence between the enforcement of international maritime law and the mastery of technological innovation. This discussion not only emphasizes the urgency for Indonesia to formulate a comprehensive national strategy, but also serves as a medium for public education on the importance of maintaining maritime resource sovereignty amid increasingly intense global competition.
The dialogue in this podcast highlights a crucial convergence between the enforcement of international maritime law and the mastery of technological innovation. This discussion not only emphasizes the urgency for Indonesia to formulate a comprehensive national strategy, but also serves as a medium for public education on the importance of maintaining maritime resource sovereignty amid increasingly intense global competition.
Writer: Natural Resources Governance Studies (NRGS)
