From Blue Economy to Blue Justice: Ensuring Inclusive Sustainability in Rawa Pening’s Resource Utilization

Abstract

Rawa Pening, a crucial wetland ecosystem in Central Java, Indonesia, is facing significant challenges due to environmental degradation and resource overexploitation. While efforts under the blue economy and blue growth concepts have been implemented to enhance the re-gion’s economic potential, these approaches have often led to socio-economic inequalities and ecological damage. This study aims to analyze the failures of blue economy and blue growth in managing Rawa Pening’s natural resources and to explore the application of blue justice as a more inclusive and sustainable alternative. Utilizing in-depth interviews with 50 local stakeholders, including fishers, farmers, and water hyacinth harvesters, the research investigates issues such as unequal resource access, limited community participation, and the ecological impact of current management practices. The findings highlight the importance of adopting blue justice principles to ensure fair distribution of resources, empower marginalized communities, and promote environmental sustainability. This research suggests that integrating blue justice into Rawa Pening’s resource management could offer a pathway for achieving both ecological restoration and social equity, addressing the shortcomings of previous development models.