The statement was conveyed by Minister Marsudi after meeting with her Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero Espinoza on the sidelines of the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) 2018 at the Nusa Dua Bali Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Bali.
"Chile has been very committed since the start in handling marine issues. Hence, Chile has also hosted the OOC. We have agreed to increase cooperation in the maritime sector," Marsudi stated.
Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti and Foreign Minister Espinoza had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
In addition, Indonesia and Chile shared experiences in handling plastic waste to reduce marine pollution that is one of the issues raised at the OOC.
Foreign Minister Espinoza highlighted the Chilean government`s experiences in campaigning to reduce the use of plastic bags and straws.
"From the Chilean perspective, efforts to eradicate plastic waste at sea by reducing the use of plastic bags is very important and requires additional efforts," Foreign Minister Marsudi emphasized.
"The campaign to stop the use of plastic bags is not easy, as it means we have to change habits. Surprisingly, the Chilean people`s response to that campaign was very good. Some 90 percent of the Chilean people support it. Indonesia is also committed to reducing the use of plastic bags," she added.
The OOC was held for the first time in Washington D.C., the United States, in 2014. Furthermore, the OOC was held in Chile in 2015, in Washington D.C. in 2016, and in Malta in 2017.
The OOC 2018 held on October 29-30, 2018, in Bali is an important event for the Indonesian government, as Indonesia is the first country in Asia to organize the conference, which this year is the fifth.
Organizing the OOC demonstrates that Indonesia is able to fight for issues pertaining to sovereignty and right over the sea, both through maritime diplomacy and domestic policies.
Hosting the OOC 2018 also highlights Indonesia`s leadership in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries, especially in dealing with threats over the Indonesian sea.
Reporting by Yuni Arisandy
Editing by Libertina W Ambari
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
