IO – The United States Ambassador to Indonesia HE Joseph R. Donovan paid a working visit to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Jakarta, and was received by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo, Thursday (7/11). In the meeting the two discussed cooperation in the maritime and fisheries sector that has existed between Indonesia and the US and increase the potential for cooperation that can be developed in the future. Accompanying the Ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava and Beney Lee the Economic, Environment and Science Officer.
The Ambassador congratulated Minister Edhy Prabowo for his appointment as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. He said, “So far the cooperation in the maritime and fisheries sectors of the two countries has been well established. The cooperation includes training on supervision of marine and fisheries resources involving KKP and related ministries / institutions (K / L), Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Fisheries Program (MBFSP) KKP-USAID, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).”
While in the investment sector, the Ambassador informed that one US company, Forever Oceans Corporations (FOC) has already established an on-going cooperation with the North Sulawesi Regional Government to develop Amberjack fish farming offshore for export to the US.
Ambassador Joseph also submitted a proposal related to the US warship, USS Houston which sank in the waters of Banten during the world war which is a tomb for 600 US sailors so that it has great significance in US history. “If you wish, we hope that the Ministry can establish the sinking area of the USS Houston as an Maritime Conservation Area. This has great significance for us. If allowed, we are ready to help manage the maritime conservation area and provide training (capacity building) for managers and provide social assistance for residents around the area,” he said.
Meanwhile Minister Edhy Prabowo said, “Illegal fishing in Indonesian waters is an act that is very detrimental to Indonesia so that his Ministry will never stop fighting it. We will ensure that the KKP’s policy in the future will not conflict with the spirit of combating illegal fishing,” said Minister Edhy
Minister Edhy continued, in accordance with the President’s mandate, he would build good communication with all marine and fisheries stakeholders and focus on maximizing the potential of aquaculture in Indonesia. Related to this, he did not rule out the possibility of cooperation between the two countries.
He also expressed his appreciation for the assistance given by the US, particularly in the maritime and fisheries sector. “Hopefully our friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and the US can continue to be improved,” he said.
Regarding the request to make the location of the sunken USS Houston a maritime conservation area, Edhy Prabowo said that in principle he supports the idea. (Haris Winarto, Editor:BB/IR)