Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Acceleration of the Implementation of Maritime Fulcrum at Hotel Inna Parapat, Simalungun, North Sumatera, 20 August 2016
Unofficial Translation in English
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,
Good afternoon, may prosperity be upon us all.
It’s been almost two years since we talked about maritime fulcrum and to this day, I think some plans have been implemented, but we need to accomplish more. Therefore, today we will discuss this problem which is related to the acceleration of the implementation of maritime fulcrum.
Firstly, I think we all know that two-thirds of Indonesian territory comprised of water, and we should be able to take advantage of the strategic position of Indonesia which lies between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, our geostrategic location should be utilized properly in order to build and to develop our existing ports.
Moreover, we should also give priority to infrastructure development, interisland and maritime connectivity by building sea toll roads. I have also talked many times about seaports, deep seaports, logistics, shipbuilding industry, and fish processing. I have great expectations that the sea development throughout our coasts, especially those adjacent to Malacca Straits, Natuna, Batam, and North Sumatera or Medan can be developed and transformed into world-class seaports if we give it some serious thought.
Secondly, the maximum utilization of marine resources in order to boost peoples welfare. I think it includes various sectors that is related to our marine resources, such as sea transport, maritime industry, fisheries and fishing industry, marine tourism, energy and mineral resources, as well as tourism and marine services. I think we can develop many sectors.
Lastly, we should not ignore the diplomacy and the development of maritime power in order to maintain the sovereignty of the sea. We are not only facing the threats related to illegal fishing, but also illicit acts of environmental and marine ecosystem damages. In addition, the sea is also often used for smuggling, illegal drug trade, human trafficking, and illegal immigration, as well as creates conflict over resources. Therefore, we should develop the ability to deal with maritime threats, be it through maritime diplomacy or our maritime defence force.
That is my introductory remarks. (Humas Setkab)(AANN/AW/YM/Naster)