The maritime axis program being implemented by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his government is currently running positively, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli stated.
Indonesians are aware of the need to develop a maritime culture, Ramli stated here, Tuesday.
“Establishing a maritime culture is very important as the first step to transform the nation into a maritime axis,” Ramli affirmed.
Moreover, he pointed out that five main pillars must be realized to help Indonesia become a maritime axis, and progress in these areas is now beginning to show results.
Ramli explained that the first pillar was the need to build a maritime culture by raising awareness and motivating the people to realize the vision. It will serve as a foundation to develop the nation into a maritime axis, both at the regional and global level.
The second initiative aims to utilize marine resources through the shipping industry, with fishermen as the main pillars. In this case, the government would procure five thousand ships during the next five years. The government will make every effort to take action against the perpetrators of maritime thefts.
“Within the past year, we have sunk the boats of people involved in illegal fishing to act as a deterrent,” Ramli assertively noted.
The minister explained that the third pillar aimed to develop infrastructure and inter-island connectivity. In the last year, the government led by President Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla has successfully built various infrastructure facilities to boost connectivity.
The fourth initiative was to promote maritime diplomacy. Ramli stated that in the past year, all parties have played their role in enhancing maritime diplomacy.
“For instance, the Indonesian Navy has organized several events across the world in which it has showcased its various arsenal,” Ramli noted.
The fifth pillar focusses on strengthening maritime defense. Indonesia should strengthen the Navy, both in terms of its arsenal and personnel, to become the greatest power in Southeast Asia, he affirmed.
Ramli hoped that during the next five years, Indonesia would regain its past glory as a maritime nation.
