The president hopes that the construction of the sea toll road will accelerate the sustainable development of the maritime economy to support the preservation of the sea and to manage marine resources.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said in his speech that the government is focusing on the construction of the sea express transportation project to improve the condition of Indonesias maritime economy.

"One of our most important goals is the realization of the sea express transportation project. The sea express transportation system is among the maritime infrastructure facilities that will be supported by productive shipbuilding industries in Indonesia," Jokowi stated here on Friday in his state of the nation address to commemorate Indonesias 70th Independence Day.

The president hopes that the construction of the sea toll road will accelerate the sustainable development of the maritime economy to support the preservation of the sea and to manage marine resources.

The nation must re-explore Indonesias maritime culture to achieve sovereignty in the sector that is supported by good economic conditions and abundant resources, Jokowi emphasized.

"Indonesia is a maritime nation. It must preserve and utilize its marine resources seriously. This way, we can realize the international maritime axis program to strengthen our national, regional and global position," he remarked.

The government, he added, is processing the strategy of the maritime axis program to be implemented as the Indonesian National Maritime Policy.

Moreover, Indonesias vast marine areas have good potential in the economic, defense and sovereignty sectors, he affirmed.

It also needs to preserve its sea territory as well as prevent illegal fishing practices and trafficking of marine resources.

"Firm action must be taken against foreign ships caught (fishing illegally in Indonesian waters), such as drowning them. International law is also against illegal fishing activities and trafficking of marine resources," Jokowi pointed out.

In his speech, the head of state further noted that the government is developing several infrastructure facilities, such as a toll road, railway lines, water reservoirs, and power plants.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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