Indonesia to Develop Maritime ‘Technoparks’
The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has announced plans to develop five maritime technology parks to improve fisheries-based business in Indonesia, says The Jakarta Globe. The areas set for development — dubbed Technoparks for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, or TPKP — have been announced as the Natuna Islands in Riau Islands province; Simeulue district in Aceh; Sangihedi Islands district in North Sulawesi; Western Southeast Maluku district in Maluku, and Merauke district in Papua. Achmad Poernomo, head of research and development at the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry said that the government had aside a Rp 17 billion [$1.2 million] budget for TPKP development in those five areas.
Indonesia Restricts Foreign Vessels to Spur Local Shipbuilding
Indonesia will begin restricting foreign vessels transporting domestic aquaculture products in Indonesian waters to encourage growth for domestic shipbuilders from next year. The stricter fishing laws would spell the end of foreign fishing vessels plying Indonesian waters. This would in turn impact the fishery industry in several ASEAN countries which have partly depended on catch from Indonesian territorial waters. Indonesian Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said her country will not issue new licenses to foreign vessels after the current moratorium ends next month. The moratorium will end on 30 April. Indonesia doesn’t see that it should continue (with the moratorium). The country has already done verifications.
Indonesian Navy gives 10 ships to Maritime Security Board
The Indonesian Navy has planned to hand over 10 Navy Patrol ships (KAL) to the Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) by the end of this year, reports Jakarta Post. According to Navy chief of staff, Adm. Ade Supandi, said the 10 ships would require alterations before they could be used by Bakamla. “There needs to be some adjustments because they will be used as civilian patrol boats and we must follow several protocols,” Ade said. Some large weapons on the ships would be removed and replaced with those of a smaller caliber. For example, the 37-millimeter cannon on one of the ships would be replaced by a 12.7-millimeter one, which would be more appropriate for Bakamla’s patrol activities, he said.
South Korea Mulls Maritime Study with North Korea
South Korea would propose a joint research with North Korea to develop marine resources and ocean tourism, reports Korea Herald. South Korea’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry pointed out the need of an excavation of North Korea’s marine resources, and development of ecotourism content and infrastructure to attract Asian tourists. The plan is to work together on eco-friendly marine tourism measures with North Korea, and designate uninhabited islands as “Islands of Peace” where they can develop resources together. North Korea’s project on the Daedonggang River, which runs through Pyongyang, will have official developmental assistance from Seoul. The North previously asked to join a Yellow Sea ecosystem preservation project, in which South Korea and China are collaborating.
Ship Smuggling Ancient Artifacts Seized
According to the Jakarta Post, police had confiscated a foreign ship and arrested six crew members for trying to smuggle ancient artifacts out of Indonesia. The arrest followed tip-offs from the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry. The Vanuatu-flagged ship, Sirens, was being held at Tanjung Priok Port after ancient artifacts from Cirebon were found on board. The boat's captain did not have a permit from the Culture and Tourism Ministry to carry such items. The destination of the ship is unknown. Police found 27 tons of black tin inside the ship along with the artifacts. (Source: www.thejakartapost.com)
