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Modernization must occur along with illegal fishing battle: Jokowi
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (center), accompanied by Navy chief of staff Adm. Ade Supandi (left) and other senior officials, inspects the warship KRI Imam Bonjol 383 after a Cabinet meeting onboard in Natuna waters, Riau Islands, on Thursday. (Courtesy Setpres/Krishadiyanto)
T
he government's efforts to eradicate illegal fishing in the country’s territorial waters must be followed by modernization in the sector, particularly in the processing industry, to create more added value, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has said.
During a national coordination meeting of the illegal fishing task force, the President said the fight against illegal fishing had resulted in rising fish stocks in Indonesian waters, as 176 foreign poacher ships have been captured and sunk.
"We must step up efforts by establishing a more modern fishing industry, such as processing and canning industries to provide greater added value for our country, particularly in terms of employment," Jokowi said at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Thus, ministries must ensure the availability of supporting infrastructure, from roads, ports, electricity and land for the processing industry. He also urged local administrations to prepare land for the processing industry.
"I believe the investment will soon come, whether purely private partnerships or between private entities with state-owned enterprises, to develop this sector due to potential export demand. This is an opportunity that must be taken," Jokowi added.
Jokowi also applauded the task force's efforts in fighting illegal fishing and maintaining ocean resources. "There is very good cooperation in the field between forces and inter-institutional agencies […] and I think this should be kept up," Jokowi said. (ags)
