<p>Indonesia, an archipelago renowned for its rich and diverse maritime history, boasts many underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites that chronicle centuries of seafaring, trade routes, and cultural interactions. These submerged artifacts and historic shipwrecks provide invaluable insights into the nation’s historical narrative and global maritime significance. In a strategic move to enhance the protection of its UCH, Indonesia should consider ratifying the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, committing to the establishment of comprehensive legal, operational, and preservation frameworks. Despite this progressive step, Indonesia faces considerable challenges in the effective implementation of the convention. Key issues include aligning domestic legislation with international standards, the fragmented coordination among government agencies, and limited enforcement capabilities to prevent unauthorized salvaging and looting. Additionally, technological and financial constraints hinder the documentation and preservation efforts, while public awareness and local community engagement in heritage conservation remains underdeveloped. Existing research often emphasizes the importance of UCH but lacks an in-depth analysis of the resource constraints faced in implementing such international agreements. This study aims to bridge this research gap by exploring Indonesia’s unique challenges and identifying opportunities for advancing UCH protection. This study aims to provide strategic recommendations that support sustainable conservation efforts by evaluating legislative frameworks, examining institutional practices, and incorporating stakeholder perspectives in Indonesia. The findings will advocate for stronger collaboration between governmental bodies, local communities, and international partners to preserve Indonesia’s underwater cultural legacy for future generations.</p>