Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly made the remarks during a visit to Biak District on Sunday night.
"The request for direct fish exports to Japan is in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directives when he was with the head of Biak district, Herry Ario Naap, at the Bogor State Palace," he said.
He highlighted the immense potential of Biak island's fisheries sector, saying direct exports from Biak airport could bring in trillions in foreign exchange.
"I saw that, I visited the cold storage at the integrated marine fisheries center in person, yes. There are many types of tuna for great export opportunities," he said.
In addition to the fisheries sector, Biak also has a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical tourism potential, with sites dating back to World War II.
"I visited the Japanese cave in Biak; it was very good and (it had the) prospect of becoming a leading tourist destination in the region," Laoly said.
Upon his arrival at Biak's Frans Kaisiepo Airport on Sunday, the minister was welcomed by head of the Biak Immigration Checkpoint Class II Immigration Office, Edward Infaindan.
A Mansorandak dance was performed by local youths to welcome the minister and his entourage.
Laoly made the visit to Biak Numfor in preparation for the Law and Human Rights Ministry’s activities in Jayapura. During his visit, he participated in a worship event at the Ebenhaezer Ridge-Biak Church.
Afterward, the minister visited a fish processing unit in Biak Numfor district, Binsari/Japanese cave tourist attractions, and Tanjung Sarweri Yendidori.
He also took part in the lively closing ceremony of the 77th Indonesian Independence Day at the Cendrawasih Hangar, Manuhua Air Base.
Related news: Gov't to turn Papua's Biak Numfor into fishery export hub
Related news: Biak district encourages Suneri village into agro-fishery tourism
Translator: Muhsidin, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
