The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo has congratulated IMO on the work they have achieved to date, stating that for a long time he has given “special attention to maritime affairs” and emphasised the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable use of maritime resources.
The President made his remarks during a visit to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Tuesday 19th April for the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) 69th session.
President Widodo said that Indonesia believes that using these resources and trading by sea sustainably is key to its economy and emphasised the role Indonesia intends to play in developing global maritime infrastructure and secure resources to prevent illegal exploitation. Stating that Indonesia’s identity “is maritime”, he said that the country believes that utilising resources from people, safeguarding security for international trade and sustaining the ocean “for our children, great grandchildren and their great grandchildren” is imperative.
He also commented on the 176 illegal fishing episodes from October 2014-April 2016 that were eradicated by Indonesia as part of their commitment to take global responsibility and reduce illegal exploitation. Stating that the “use of maritime resources must be done for the benefit of our people”, he revealed to the floor that “membership in IMO is key” in order to take action upon such activities, reduce maritime pollution, and serve the interests of the environment, society and the economy as the three pillars of sustainability.
Following Indonesia’s ratification of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention in November last year, Indonesia plans to continue investing in sustainable maritime operations and to play an active role in IMO agendas.
President Widodo stressed that Indonesia’s commitment to a prosperous future lies in managing the sea now and in the future.
Photo courtesy of IMO.
Ship Efficiency Review will be reporting from MEPC 69 this week. For breaking news and insight please follow articles tagged “MEPC 69” on Shipefficiencyreview.com or follow #MEPC69 on Twitter.
Ship Efficiency Review News
To contact the reporter responsible for this article, please email editor@fathom-mi.com
