Megawati inaugurates boat

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