VP Calls On Regional Govts To Develop Marine Tourism

Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung (Antara Bali) - Vice President Boediono has called on regional administrations in Indonesia to develop marine tourism in order attract more tourists and improve the local people's welfare.

"Indonesia has marine tourism sites with great potentials, especially those in archipelagic areas, but they have not been managed optimally," the vice president said in his remarks closing the 2011 Sail Wakatobi Belitong event here Thursday.

He hoped Sail Wakatobi Belitong could serve as a catalyst in the  joint efforts to accelerate development in archipelagic areas.

The joint effort was marked by the signing of cooperation among the governors of Bangka Belitung, Jambi, Riau Islands and West Kalimantan. They signed an agreement on cooperation in management of marine and fishery resources in the Karimata strait on Thursday (Oct. 13).

"Development in archipelagic areas needs to be accelerated to improve the local people's welfare, exploit the marine potentials and to maintain the life of people on remote islands as well as in border areas which serve as the country's  peripheral fortifications," he said.

He also asked  governors, district chiefs and mayors to take measures to ensure the success of the Indonesia Clean and Shining movement, an activity highlighting the 2011 Sail Wakatobi Belitong.

"Let us  make clean living a habit by loving cleanliness and ensuring the success of the campaigns to  clean the environment on beaches, at sea and in ports," he said.

He said Sail Wakatobi Belitong was the biggest international marine event this year.(*)