Return to the sea, Soeharto says

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday it was now time for Indonesian people to "return to the sea" because land resources were no longer adequate to meet their needs.

In a speech delivered by State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie at the opening of the convention on Indonesian maritime development in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, Soeharto said Indonesia needed to give more attention to its marine resources.

He said Indonesia's maritime development was slowed by lack of money, technology and human resources. It is not easy to develop the country's maritime industry without a lot of money, advanced technology, accurate planning, implementation and control, the President said.

"That is why we need proper coordination in its planning, execution and control," he said.

Furthermore, he stressed, an integrated and comprehensive plan needed to be drawn up because the maritime industry covered the sectors of transportation, marine services, mines and energy, tourism and human resources.

"I hope Indonesians will take concrete steps toward its development," he added.

The meeting, which will conclude on Thursday, was preceded by the presentation of a paper titled, "Agreement and Determination in the Indonesian Maritime Continent Development."

The convention, which will conclude on Dec. 21, will be highlighted with an exhibition of ships and a folk festival, as well as the signing of at least 10 agreements including ones on digital mapping for marine resources and development planning for beach resorts. (swe)