Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- President Joko Widodo has urged related parties to support the development of the nation's shipbuilding industry by placing orders with them and supporting investors.
"I have discussed this with the (Riau Islands) governor in Batam and visited the shipbuilding industry. We have 250 shipbuilding industries in Indonesia. The 105 shipbuilding industries in Batam are able to produce large-scale ships with a capacity of 17,500 deadweight tonnage, the same as those of cargo ships, tankers, and commercial vessels," Jokowi said here on Monday.
The president has instructed ministries and agencies, including the Transportation Ministry, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, the Indonesian Military, and the National Police, to prioritize their orders related to the local shipbuilding industries.
"On this occasion, I instruct all ministries and agencies, such as the Transportation Ministry, the Indonesian Military, the National Police, and the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, to buy vessels from local shipbuilding industries," the head of state emphasized.
Moreover, Jokowi has also urged investors to assist with the development of the national shipbuilding sector so they can meet both local and foreign demand.
"I want our industries to cooperate with investors so they can produce vessels not only for the domestic market but for the export market, as well," he remarked.
According to Jokowi, the government wants the industry to be well developed to achieve its maritime axis goal for Indonesia.
Among the state officers who attended the meeting were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Indroyono Susilo, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, Chief of the Indonesian Military General Moeldoko, and Chief of the Indonesian National Police Badrodin Haiti. (WDY)
