"Urbanisation is growing at a rapid pace."Bitung (ANTARA News) - Indian sail training ship INS Sudarshini, carrying 31 crew members under the command of Captain Sam Sundar, has anchored in Bitung, North Sulawesi province.
The arrival of the crew and the cadets on Saturday was welcomed by the Bitung City Mayor's Assistant for the Government Sector, Fabian Kaloh, Tourism Department head Benny Lontoh, and a few other officials.
After examining the ship's condition, the contingent visited the Bitung City office and was welcomed by Bitung City Vice Mayor Maximilian J Lomban at his room.
On the occasion, Lomban provided the visitors with an introduction to the city.
"The central government developed Bitung as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The city has many large and small industries, in the palm oil, fisheries and marine sectors, mainly catering to the export market," he said.
"Urbanisation is growing at a rapid pace," Lomban stated.
He also noted that Bitung had immense potential in underwater tourism, "even better than Bunaken".
"There are many endemic animals and undersea biota in Lembeh Strait, which also has 89 diving points," Lomben pointed out.
The Captain of INS Sudarshini expressed appreciation to the Bitung City government for extending a warm welcome.
"Bitung and Lembeh Island are very beautiful and clean," Sam Sundar said.
"This journey of INS Sudarshini is part of the celebrations for improved relationship between India and ASEAN, as well as for 10 years of ASEAN-India Summit," he added.
(Uu.CA/INE/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
