Seminar on islands' development

PADANG, West Sumatra: Three cabinet ministers, including Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman, is to attend a two-day seminar here on the development of small and strategic islands.

Antara reported that the seminar, in the resort town of Bukittinggi on March 24 and March 25, would also be attended by Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo and State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja.

Organizer Marlis Rahman said the national seminar would seek to improve ways to develop small and remote islands.

"Many small islands are yet to be given opportunities to develop the way major islands have because of their remoteness and lack of facilities," Marlis said.

Marlis cited the Mentawai islands as places which had great agriculture and tourism potential.

About 125 officials from state agencies are expected to attend the seminar. (swe)