Megawati inaugurates boat

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated on Friday the Samudraraksa boat, which is scheduled to sail the "Cinnamon Route" from Indonesia to Ghana, during a ceremony at the Ancol port.

The Samudraraksa expedition, which will include stops in Seychelles, Madagascar, Cape Town and Ghana, is expected to be completed in December.

The route was used in the cinnamon trade in the past.

The traditional wooden boat was designed by marine archaeological expert Nick Burningham and made by Indonesian boat craftsman Asad Abdullah. The size of the boat is similar to traditional boats from the 8th century, but is equipped with modern navigational equipment.

As many as 10 sailors, half women, will take part in the expedition, which will be led by I Gusti Putu Ngurah Sedana. --Antara