Nusa Dua (Greeners) – With maritime is becoming important sector under Joko Widodo – Jusuf Kalla administration, dubbed as Maritime Axis, Vice President Jusuf Kalla reminded Indonesia’s target to develop its marine potential at World Ocean Summit 2017, in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday (23/2).
VP Kalla said that the target was ambitious, 20 percent coming from marine sector for its gross domestic product (GDP), for the next ten years.
“In the next ten years, Indonesia’s maritime will try to increase 11 to 20 percent from marine sector,” he said.
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To achieve this target, VP Kalla said that Indonesia will develop 24 new harbors and sea tools which would support the country’s target to become maritime country.
“Indonesia is a major island country with large population. Consequently, we need connectivity. These islands must be connected. We need to be connected to reduce high price and other impacts. We also need fast and effective connectivity,” he said.
Furthermore, he said government has opened up investment opportunities, domestic and international to achieve the target. He said that firm regulations for foreign investors should not be seen as obstacles.
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He also appraised law enforcement by Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on tackling illegal fishing. “After law enforced firmly for illegal fishing, the result is decreasing illegal fishing cases,” he added.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, said that Indonesian government was taking all efforts to tackle illegal fishing in the country.
“Indonesian government has been thinking about illegal fishing issue. Minister of Marine Issues and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti has worked hard to handle the issue,” he said.
Reports by Renty Hutahaean
21 Apr 2024 
