Govt to develop bordering islands for business<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The government was preparing regulations to encourage foreign
\ninvestment and tourism on small islands in border areas, the
\nMinister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Freddy Numberi said the ministry was still waiting for
\ndirections from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before he
\nwould reveal the specific detail of the policy.<\/p>\n
\"(We) expect to complete the formulation of the regulations
\nthis year,\" Freddy said after opening a seminar and exhibition on
\ncoastal resources in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
After the regulations were enacted, the government would
\ninvite private investors to build facilities for business
\nactivities, he said.<\/p>\n
\"With a strong commitment, both the government and the private
\nsector can develop partnerships and establish economic activities
\non small islands in border areas.\"<\/p>\n
Indonesia has more than 90 small islands in areas bordering
\nneighboring countries, most of which are little developed.<\/p>\n
The minister said that for the time being, the government
\nwould promote the development of Nipah island in Riau as a
\nmaritime tourist resort and international transit port and
\nshopping hub.<\/p>\n
\"As the port in Singapore is full to capacity we can establish
\na port in Nipah,\" Freddy said. However, land reclamation work
\nwould be needed for the establishment of port facilities, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Which such facilities, the island could accommodate the
\ndocking of Singaporeans' yachts, he said.<\/p>\n
\"We can also use Nipah island as a reference point to control
\neconomic activities around the border.\"<\/p>\n
Freddy said his ministry had been involved in discussions with
\nthe Ministry of Public Works on a possible joint development of
\nfacilities on the island.<\/p>\n
Nipah is located about eight kilometers northwest of Batam
\nisland and the same distance southwest of Singapore.<\/p>\n
The island used to be 90 hectares wide and stand 2.5 meters
\nabove sea level.<\/p>\n
However, sand dredging on the island during the past two
\ndecades has decreased its width and height -- to about 62
\nhectares and one meter respectively. (004)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-to-develop-bordering-islands-for-business-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}