"We, the Biak District Government, would like to invite Mr Minister to personally witness the holding of Sail Teluk Cenderawasih on November 1-7," Acting Regional Secretary of Biak Numfor told Minister Uno during an online meeting in Biak on Saturday.
Mailoa noted that the 2023 Sail Teluk Cenderawasih constitutes one of Indonesia's national strategic programs in the tourism sector that will be held to showcase the country's maritime sovereignty in the Pacific region.
According to the secretary, the event will involve a series of agendas, including maritime-themed activities, an exhibition featuring micro, small, and medium enterprises' products, a cultural arts festival, culinary market, entertainment sessions, and fishery exports' promotional activities.
"We genuinely hope that Mr tourism minister will come to attend the opening ceremony of the event, which is planned to be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo," Mailoa stated.
Minister Uno, for his part, warmly welcomed and appreciated the invitation of the district government.
"Thank you (for the invitation). I am ready to attend the opening ceremony of the 2023 STC. I would love to eat the iconic food papeda there," he remarked.
The minister then described Biak Numfor as a beautiful region that is blessed with various natural tourist destinations as well as clean and cool air.
"I would love to participate in the STC on November 1-7, 2023,” he affirmed.
Earlier, in February this year, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that the STC would serve as an event that focuses on three aspects.
"The three main focuses of this event are fishery exports, investment, and regional potential development," he remarked.
He also expressed optimism that the event would help the Papua region express the spirit of unity and togetherness in regional development through collaboration between numerous stakeholders.
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Translator: Muhsidin, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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