Ternate, North Maluku (ANTARA News) - The North Halmahera district government in North Maluku Province will allocate more than Rp20 billion from its 2012 regional budget to support Sail Morotai 2012, a local tourism official said.

"The funds will be used to carry out and manage various infrastructure projects in North Halmahera which is located close to Morotai island where the international marine event will take place on September 8, 2012," head of North Halmahera`s culture and tourism office, J Papilaya, said here on Thursday.

Papilaya said the infrastructure projects to be implemented were among others the extension of Kao airport`s runway in Kao sub-district, construction of a VIP room at Galela airport in Galela sub-district, and a mooring facility for proas in Tobelo.

He said both Kao and Galela airports would play a strategic role in supporting the success of Sail Morotai 2012 in Morotai island district.

"Besides, infrastructure facilities linked to various tourist attractions in North Halmahera will also be fixed and upgraded because Sail Morotai guests and participants will be directed to visit those tourist attractions," Papilaya said.

He said the sail participants and guests were expected to see a variety of unique and specific objects including white sandy beaches, charming parks, World War II artillery guns, the wrecks of a warship and amphibious vehicles, and many more unexplored natural spots in North Halmahera.

Papilaya said the North Halmahera district government would also hold a pre-Sail Morotai event, namely a Hibua Lamo Festival, to promote the region`s various art and cultural attractions in April 2012.(*)

O001/HAJM

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012