Jakarta coast cleaned up

JAKARTA (JP): The government invites city residents to help clean the city's coasts, especially around the Tanjung Priok port, in preparation for the upcoming Arung Samudera international sailing race.

The call was made over the weekend when city officials and the navy initiated a cleanliness campaign involving 1,000 marines and volunteers.

"This campaign aims at improving awareness of the townspeople and also to make the discipline drive a success," said chief of the Navy's western fleet Rear Admiral Widodo AS.

He suggested residents clean up the coasts at least twice a week.

Thirteen badly polluted rivers discharge into Tanjung Priok port.

Tanjung Priok will be the finish line of the sailing race held in commemoration of Indonesia's 50th Independence Day in August.

According to Widodo, a total of 42 warships, 100 yachts and 24 boats from foreign countries have confirmed their participation in the race. (bsr)