Indonesia keen to strengthen maritime policy

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has urged the country’s Maritime Coordinating Minister, Rizal Ramli, to come up with a strong marine policy that can be implemented in July.

The local news agency Antarra, on June 16, quoted the President’s request made at a meeting discussing efforts to strengthen the country’s marine policy and fishery industry.

The President also asked the related ministries to carry out a campaign to enhance the consumption of fish, pushing it as an alternative to meat.

The meeting also discussed the need for various bodies to coordinate when it comes to handling illegal trade in marine resources.

Minister Ramli stressed that the government wanted to utilize maritime resources to improve people’s living conditions, particularly fishermen, and for economic prosperity in general.

In order to improve the maritime sector, the government will focus on seven components, according to Ramli. They include building a maritime culture, effectively using marine resources, formulating a policy on sustainable maritime planning, development of relevant infrastructure, education and technology, and enhancing maritime diplomacy and maritime security.

The government also plans to subsidise fuel to help fishermen save on fishing costs, Ramli said.

He underlined that the government will enforce the rules regarding foreign ships using explosives for fishing.-VNA