Surabaya City Government Data Governance in Monitoring the Blue Economy

Abstract

The blue economy has emerged as a vital paradigm for sustainable development, particularly for coastal cities such as Surabaya, which holds significant potential in marine resources, fisheries, and ecotourism. However, the implementation of blue economy strategies in Surabaya faces major challenges in data governance, as sectoral information related to fisheries, mangrove ecosystems, marine waste, and community participation remains fragmented across various agencies. This study aims to analyze the data governance of Surabaya City Government in supporting the monitoring of blue economy policies. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the research draws upon literature review, policy document analysis, and comparisons with international data governance practices. The findings indicate that although initiatives for data integration have been introduced through cooperation with Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the existing information systems have not yet provided comprehensive, reliable, and accessible data to fully support evidence-based policymaking. The study recommends strengthening smart governance through cross-sectoral data integration, developing specific blue economy indicators, and enhancing transparency as well as public participation in the use of development data. With improved data governance, Surabaya has the potential to serve as a model coastal city in the sustainable implementation of the blue economy in Indonesia.