Nusa Tenggara urged back to sea

KUPANG, East Nusa Tanggara: Governor Herman Musakabe called on the people yesterday to turn back to the sea to earn their living as President Soeharto had earlier suggested.

The governor said now that land resources are decreasing due to population pressures, it is time people exploited the marine resources, as their ancestors did.

Musakabe promised various facilities for fishermen and those who make a living from the sea in the hope of encouraging others to follow suit.

Only about 20 percent of the marine resources in East Nusa Tenggara have been properly exploited, the governor said.

"If we do not know how to make the best use of the potential, the marine riches will be reaped by people from other provinces or even from other countries," he said.

The governor made the statement as part of events to mark East Nusa Tenggara's 38th anniversary. (yac/pan)