VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The commemoration of Archipelago Day every December 13 is a strategic attempt to explore more regional potentials that could support the implementation of the blue economy, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has said.

Wakatobi district in Southeast Sulawesi province has been chosen as the venue for the series of Archipelago Day commemorations this year since the region has a rich maritime potential, he informed. For instance, it has the second-largest national marine park in Indonesia, he added.

"The potentials of the Wakatobi waters include tuna fishing in the Banda Sea and tourism destination in Tomia sub-district -- one of the best tourism spots in the world. These potentials can improve the people's economy," he said, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

The implementation of Archipelago Day from December 10–14, 2022, is also in accordance with the Indonesian government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060, which is expected to attract investment in the blue, green, and circular economy.

Indonesia’s vast territory, large number of islands, and long coastline have become economic forces supporting national development, hence the government has continued to encourage the development of coastal areas, the minister added.

"Currently, we are also preparing a road map for (industrial) downstreaming for fishery and seaweed products to be developed into processed food commodity or other derivative products," he informed.

In addition, the government will push for the development of the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry ecosystem in Southeast Sulawesi province since the region has abundant nickel reserves.

"Currently, the government also continues to encourage investment in Southeast Sulawesi province to build and downstream the EV battery ecosystems," Lahadalia added.

A number of activities were organized by the Investment Ministry for commemorating Archipelago Day this year, including the Sea Cleaning Movement, Love to Eat Fish Campaign, Archipelago Culinary Competition, as well as Investment Forum: Strengthening Regional Investment Strategy.

They further included stunting and open defecation eradication dissemination, free medical services, exhibition, seaweed harvesting, mangrove planting, as well as the release of turtle hatchlings.

According to the Investment Ministry’s data, the realization of domestic and foreign investment in Southeast Sulawesi province reached Rp17.8 trillion and US$11.36 billion, respectively, in the period from January until September 2022.

The investment realization helped absorb 9,865 Indonesian workers.

During the same period, domestic and foreign investment realization in Wakatobi district was recorded at Rp3.3 trillion and US$15.3 million, respectively. (Antaranews)