Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The marine affairs and fisheries ministry will again hold a forum and expo themed Indonesian Blue Revolution or IBREF 2011.

IBREF 2011 is a forum to promote a change in the developmental paradigm from land-to sea-oriented, and balance between land and marine development, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad said here Friday when launching the forum and expo.

"The event is also a means to promote the wealth of Indonesia`s marine resources and the beauty of its submarine environment. It will show Indonesia as a strong and great maritime nation," the minister said.

Indonesia must make a breakthrough and a new strategy by revitalizing its economic growth sources and create new economic growth in the marine and fisheries sector.

Indonesia`s marine and fishery resource potentials are still wide open for development through aquaculture, marine tourism, mining, maritime transportation, and development of marine services.

The contribution of the fishery sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2010 reached 3.1 percent.

The ministry has set itself the target of increasing the fisheries sectors` contribution to GDP from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent in 2011.

Fishery exports in 2010 ware estimated to reach a total value of 2.79 billion US dollars, up from 2.46 billion US dollars in 2009.

Sudirman Saad, the ministry`s director general for marine, coastal areas and small islands (KP3K), who is also chairman of the IBREF 2011 organizing committee, said IBREF 2011 is expected to raise the maritime spirit and the marine product management optimally.

Around 60 marine industries will take part in the forum and expo to be held from October 6-9, 2011 at the Jakarta Convention Center.

The ministry held a Blue Revolution Expo 2010 last December with the purpose of showcasing Indonesia`s rich marine resources that have yet to developed optimally.

(SYS/F001)

Editor: Suryanto
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