INSA Chairwoman Carmelita Hartoto was commenting on the registration of two candidates each with running mate at the General Election Committee (KPU) here on Friday.
The two candidates announced their running mates only at night the day before. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who seeks reelection chose Ma`ruf Amin, the 75-year old chairman of the Ulema Council (MUI) and Prabowo Subianto chose Jakarta`s Vice Governor Sandiaga Uno as his running mate.
Carmelita said she hopes the next government would be consistent in carrying out the program which she said is already on the right track.
Carmelita is apparently worried that the program, which is one of the big visions of President Jokowi, might be shelved if the government would change.
"What I see is that Mr Jokowi already has a concept for maritime country, so has Mr Prabowo. Now I only hope who ever is to win the presidency would be consistent with the government`s maritime policy," she said here on Saturday.
She said if the government continues to be serious in carrying out the maritime concept, the country could reduce its high logistic cost.
Logistic cost in the country is much higher than in the neighboring countries.
"We often talk about high logistic cost but we continue to allow various factors to exist that do not support efforts to cope with the problem," she said, pointing to high value added tax and oil fuel (BBM) price.
Carmelita cited in other countries the lending rate are around 2 to 3 percent , but in Indonesia it is still 12 percent a year.
"How could we be competitive if we maintain high lending rates?. Stimulus should be given in carrying out the program to develop a maritime country," she said.
She also urged for strengthening sea coast guard , adding the country Sea Security Agency (Bakamla) has not enough power to oversee sea security in the country.
She said the cabotage concept has to be effectively implemented and maintained as it concerns the country`s sovereignty.
She said the world`s largest archipelago needs fleets of ships to facilitate logistics and distribution of foods and transport people.
The private sector should be given greater role in the maritime development and sea infrastructure, she added.
Reporting Juwita Trisna Rahayu
Editing by A Saragih, Otniel Tamindael
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
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