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Morotai to become center of fisheries industry in eastern Indonesia
Fantasi island: Dodola Island, a short boat ride from Morotai in North Maluku province, is actually two tiny islands connected by a sandbar
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Fantasi island: Dodola Island, a short boat ride from Morotai in North Maluku province, is actually two tiny islands connected by a sandbar. (JP/Deanna Ramsay) (JP/Deanna Ramsay)
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span class="inline inline-center">Fantasi island: Dodola Island, a short boat ride from Morotai in North Maluku province, is actually two tiny islands connected by a sandbar. (JP/Deanna Ramsay)
Morotai Island is aiming to become the economic driver for North Maluku, especially in the maritime and fisheries sectors, following the government's commitment to accelerate the development of Special Economic Zones (KEK).
"The government's commitment to accelerating the development of seven KEKs in the country is part of the newly announced fifth economy policy package. Morotai is one of the KEKs," said North Maluku Maritime and Fisheries Agency head Buyung Rajilun in Ternate on Friday as quoted by Antara news agency.
The island, which is situated in the border area of Indonesia and the Philippines, has been stipulated as a KEK since 2012 and attracted many domestic and overseas investors including a fishery consortium from Taiwan, bring more than Rp 30 trillion (US$2.2 billion) in investments.
The consortium, in addition to developing the fishing business, also developed the processing industry and other related businesses for export needs such as a shipyard and ice factory.
According to Buyung, the acceleration, especially on the infrastructure side, would hopefully solve many development issues in Morotai, attracting more investors and opening up more employment opportunities.
"If [the acceleration] succeeds, North Maluku can become the center of the fisheries industry in east Indonesia and the gate to Indonesian fisheries exports to the pacific areas," said Buyung. (kes)
