"Many warships will be deployed during the event including from foreign countries. Separately, the Indonesian Navy sends 38 warships to Lombok," Commander of Indonesia`s Eastern Fleet Command Setiyono noted during the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Indonesian Navy and several local governments at the main meeting room of the governor`s office of West Nusa Tenggara Province on Thursday.
Local governments that signed the agreement were the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government, Mataram city government, and Bali provincial government and also the district governments of West Lombok, North Lombok, Central Lombok, and Klungkung in the framework of the implementation of the naval exercise.
The event is an annual activity of the Indonesian Navy. The first naval exercise was held in Batam, Riau Islands Province, and the second event was organized in Padang, West Sumatra Province.
"The event will cover several activities including an opening ceremony, cultural performances, fun run, fun bike, maritime exhibition, and cooking competition. The event is planned to be followed by 60 countries. Until now, as many as 12 countries have confirmed their participation, but the number will continue to increase until the day of the event`s implementation in May," he remarked.
Meanwhile, the event will be carried out in the form of a non-combat exercise that emphasizes inter-state diplomacy for managing disasters and guarding borders.
"Hence, the event can bring together all participating countries," he pointed out.
According to Setiyono, the event will also showcase social service activities and some national shipping activities by involving the youth in the warships.
"Hence, development activities will be held on a small scale in addition to ocean activities," he stated.
Vice Governor of West Nusa Tenggara Province H. Muhammad Amin expressed hope that the arrival of sailors from friendly countries in Lombok would contribute to increasing tourist visits and boosting investment in the province.
"The event involving 38 friendly countries will bring together thousands of people from various parts of the world. It will certainly contribute to boosting the tourism industry of West Nusa Tenggara Province and will help to develop the creative economy that can generate jobs, reduce unemployment, increase investment, and realize progress in other sectors," he added.
Reported by Nur Imansyah
M052/INE
EDITED BY INE/A014
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
