Technology key to marine resources<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Appropriate technology is badly needed to bridge
\nthe gap between the country's unexplored rich marine resources
\nand the desire to uplift fishermen's welfare, State Minister of
\nResearch and Technology Muh. A.S. Hikam said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"There is a wide disparity between the fishermen and available
\ntechnology. We need a more 'down to earth' technology rather than
\ngetting stuck in rhetoric in developing our marine resources,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
We have to bridge the gap by bringing technology closer to the
\nfishermen and achieving real results, Hikam said, while pointing
\nat the country's poor exploration and management of marine
\nresources and industry.<\/p>\n
\"I wonder why Indonesia still has to import salt when we have
\nthe world's longest shoreline of 88,000 kilometers? We should
\nhave become the world's largest salt exporter!\" the minister told
\na media briefing here.<\/p>\n
Among the technology that is applicable to the fishermen is
\nthe Lestari (Lentera Matahari) solar lamp and Lacuba (Lampu Celup
\nBawah Air) underwater lamp, he said.<\/p>\n
\"But the distribution of such equipment must be properly
\nmanaged. Since such lamps are quite expensive, each can cost
\naround Rp 2 million ... the cooperatives must help the fishermen
\nto obtain such equipment,\" Hikam added.<\/p>\n
In a bid to boost the country's marine industry, the ministry
\nin cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and
\nFisheries, State Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of
\nIndustry and Trade and the Ministry of Communication will hold
\nthe giant Marine Industry Expo 2001 and seminars in Surabaya from
\nFeb. 21 until Feb. 23.<\/p>\n
The expo aims at boosting investors in marine industry, which
\nactually has a great market demand.<\/p>\n
Data from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries shows
\nthat demand for the year 2004 in the sector of sea and salt water
\nfish is estimated at 6.4 million tons.<\/p>\n
\"Potential for unexplored oil and gas drilling is estimated at
\n57.3 barrel up to the year 2004, while sea transport service is
\npredicted to transport around 21.6 million tons in packages and
\n17.3 million passengers over similar period,\" said Anjar. S., on
\nthe expert staff at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and
\nFisheries.<\/p>\n
Another potential marine industry is tourism.<\/p>\n
\"We have to strive to restore confidence in our country.
\nWithout that, no investors will come,\" Hikam said.<\/p>\n
\"We project around 11 million marine tourists in 2004. While
\nThailand already had 8.7 million visitors this year. Why? I think
\nit has something to do with our country's national security,\"
\nHikam said.<\/p>\n
In an effort to boost fish production, Hikam said various
\nprograms have been introduced, such as fish hatcheries and
\ngenetic engineering to raise the production of Tuna and Kerapu
\nfish.<\/p>\n
In the wake of regional autonomy, Hikam also revealed that a
\nRegional Research Council (DRD) will be set up in the country's
\n26 provinces.<\/p>\n
\"Like the National Research Council (DRN), DRD will function
\nas an independent board consisting of technology experts and
\nactivists from each region. They will report to the governor.<\/p>\n
\"The core members of the DRD come from universities. Among the
\nprovinces that already have DRD are Central and East Java,
\nYogyakarta, West Sumatra, Riau and North Maluku,\" Hikam said.<\/p>\n
He said the ministry strived to prove that technology was
\nuseful and worthwhile for people.<\/p>\n
\"Now, our budget is only 0.2 percent of the GDP while the
\ninternational standard set by UNESCO is a minimum of 1 percent of
\nGDP,\" Hikam said. (edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/technology-key-to-marine-resources-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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