Blue Economy-Based Entrepreneurship Strategy in Bali: Optimizing Marine Resources for Economic Sustainability

Abstract

Bali holds significant potential for developing blue economy-based entrepreneurship to achieve economic and ecological sustainability. This exploratory qualitative research aims to analyze strategies for optimizing marine resources through sustainable entrepreneurship. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and stakeholders in Bali's coastal areas, supplemented by document analysis and observation. The findings identify potential sectors such as conservation-based marine ecotourism, seaweed aquaculture, and innovative marine product processing. However, their development is constrained by three main challenges: (1) regulatory and governance complexity leading to legal uncertainty; (2) limited access to formal financing and technology; and (3) suboptimal entrepreneurial capacity and mindset. The study concludes that a holistic strategy encompassing regulatory reform, acceleration of innovation and inclusive financing, and strengthening of value chains and local wisdom (Tri Hita Karana) is essential. Through this strategy, blue entrepreneurship can become a new, resilient, and competitive economic pillar aligned with sustainability principles in Bali.