Indonesia\'s Future Is at Sea, Maritime Development Crucial: Jokowi

The president cited data showing that Japan derives 48.5 percent of its gross domestic product, or the equivalent of $17.5 trillion, from its maritime sector.

Jokowi added that Thailand, which only has 2,800 kilometers of coastline, also managed to yield an income of $212 billion from its maritime sector.

"Indonesia, with 70 percent of its area being maritime territory, has only [managed to derive] less than 30 percent of the national GDP from the maritime sector," the president said. He added that Indonesia's maritime sector has the potential of yielding up to $1.2 trillion annually.

In light of this, the president instructed his ministers to consolidate all Indonesian maritime development policies and analyze existing development initiatives and propose new initiatives.

"The development programs in the maritime sector should be streamlined, applied with more focus and be on target," Jokowi said.

These policies, Jokowi concluded, should serve as a guideline to developing Indonesia's maritime potential in order to make a positive impact on the people, such as increasing fishermen's welfare.

The president is deeply committed to improving Indonesia's maritime sector during his administration, as he stated in his inauguration speech and on many occasions since.

Source : http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesias-future-sea-maritime-development-crucial-jokowi/