Indonesia Needs Strong Leadership In Maritime Sector: President

Bogor, W Java (Antara Bali) - Indonesia needs strong leadership to develop the areas of potential in the national maritime and marine sectors, President Joko Widodo stated.

"The sea toll road project and maritime development are not only related to the development of seaports and ships but also about how to prepare natural resources in the maritime sector," the president remarked while inaugurating Indonesia Port Corporation's (IPC's) Corporate University at Ciawi, here on Tuesday.

To utilize the areas of potential in the maritime sector, Indonesia now requires human resources that have sound knowledge and skills to manage ports, logistics, and the marine sector, he noted.

"Maritime sector and port development is needed to boost national logistics and connectivity. We have to improve the shipping industry and develop shipping businesses on the islands of the country. We basically need knowledge in the maritime sector," Jokowi, as the president is popularly called, remarked.

He pointed out that if Indonesia can build its maritime sector, it can help to reduce transportation costs and drive down prices.

"Land transportation is far more expensive, thus we need to develop human resources and create leaders through a world class program to prepare professionals in the maritime sector," Jokowi emphasized.

IPC's Corporate University was inaugurated by the president at the IPC University campus in Ciawi, Bogor District, West Java, on Tuesday.

The institution is being developed as part of a transformation program to increase the quality of human resources.

"We thank all sides that have supported the development of the IPC Corporate University until now. We are optimistic that the IPC Corporate University will have a positive and significant impact on the performance of Indonesian ports," President Director of IPC R.J. Lino stated.

IPC Corporate University is expected to serve as a center of excellence for ports as well as the maritime and logistics sectors.

The institution will provide training on managing container terminals, non-container terminals, marine sector, and logistic services.

"Later, the IPC Corporate University can be used not only by the employees of the IPC but also workers from state-own port operators Pelindo I, III, and IV as well as by the general public. Following completion, the IPC Corporate University, with facilities of international standard, will be capable of running a parallel learning program for 1.5 thousand participants," Lino stated.  (WDY)