Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad will lay the first corner stone of the Wakatobi International Fishery School on July 16, 2011, a local official has said.

"We have prepared a 50-hectare plot of land for the first phase of the construction of the International Fishery School (SPI) which is to be inaugurated by the maritime affairs and fisheries minister," Wakatobi maritime and fisheries office chief Hajiu said on Thursday.

Hajiu said the first-corner-stone laying ceremony would also be attended by Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam, and a number of other invitees.

He added that besides laying the first corner stone for the construction of the SPI, Fadel would also launch the start of Sail Wakatobi-Belitung (SWB-2011).

"It is expected that when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrives to attend the peak event of the SWB-2011, the head of state can dedicate the Wakatobi International Fishery School," Hajiu said.

He added that the launch of Sail Wakatobi-Belitung would be enlivened with various traditional art performances such as traditional Balumpa, Sajomoane, and Lariangi dances.

"Balumpa dance is usually performed by Wakatobi community to mark the harvest of their crops, while Sajomoane and Lariangi dances are performed to greet dignitary guests or the fighters who have just returned from the battle field.

While for Sail Wakatobi-Belitung, Hajiu said the organizing committee had prepared various local cultural attractions such as Kabuenga, Karia, Bangka Mbule-mbule, and Kande-kandea.
(Uu.O001/HAJM/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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