Fadinda Rishtey Violeta 

International Relation Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember    

Muhammad Iqbal 

International Relation Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/e-sospol.v13i1.60109

ABSTRACT 

Blue Economy is an environmentally friendly economic concept that involves the effective and sustainable use of existing aquatic resources to generate economic benefits. As a maritime nation, Indonesia has significant potential for developing the Blue Economy. However, in its implementation, Indonesia faces limitations in technology, science, human resource development, investment, and other areas. Therefore, Indonesia requires a strategic partner that can help address these challenges. There are several countries that have the potential to be candidates for partnership, but Indonesia has chosen to collaborate with South Korea. Thus, this study aims to analyze the reasons behind Indonesia’s decision to collaborate with South Korea and select it as a strategic partner in Blue Economy development, even though other countries also have the potential to serve as partners. The theory of Institutional Neoliberalism by Robert Keohane (1984) and the concept of Strategic Partnership by Lucyna (2019) serve as the theoretical foundation for this study. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection was conducted through a literature review, including books, journals, articles, ministry reports, and other relevant materials. The research findings indicate that Indonesia’s decision to cooperate with South Korea and choose it as a partner was not merely a diplomatic decision. Rather, it was based on Indonesia’s domestic need to strengthen its maritime capabilities, South Korea’s technological capabilities and resources, shared interests, and a shared vision for sustainable development. 

Keywords: Blue Economy, maritime, Indonesia, South Korea, strategic partner  

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