The international event would promote and boost marine tourism in North Maluku, Sapta Nirwandar, the culture and tourism ministry`s Director General for Marketing, said in a workshop here Friday.
"Indonesia, which has vast and enchanting marine resources, has to develop the tourism potential into a measurable action plan to improve the people`s welfare," he said.
The culture and tourism ministry has made a number of preparations for the implementation of the tourism event, including the workshop, he added.
"To make the big event a success, various parties have been involved for instance by preparing the accommodations for the participants and developing a number of infrastructures such as roads and airport," he said.
North Maluku Governor Thaib Armaiyn said his province is ready to host Sail Morotai 2012.
Among activities to be organized coinciding with Sail Morotai will be cultural and tourism festival, seminars, diving contest, culinary festival and a visit of Nakamura Monument.
In addition to its rich marine resources, North Maluku is known for its historical sites because it had remnants of World War II which had also occurred there.
"Countries being involved in World War II such as the United States, Japan and the Philippines will also be invited to Sail Morotai," the governor said.
Morotai Island is strategically situated in the Asia Pacific region because of its location in Southeast Asia, near mainland Asia, Japan, the Pacific and Australia.
This year the local government will also build three docks in Morotai district for the upcoming Sail Morotai 2012 at a cost of Rp2.1 billion derived from 2011 regional budget and state budget. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
