The security in Raja Ampat and Sorong had been tightened since several days. The peak event will be highlighted with a parade of yachts from Indonesia as well as Australia and the United States.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - About two thousand military personnel will be deployed to secure the implementation of international maritime event Sail Raja Ampat in West Papua Province.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be present in the peak event of Sail Raja Ampat to be held at Torang Cinta Beach, Waisai, Raja Ampat District, on August 23, Commander of the Regional Military Command XVII Cenderawasih Major General Christian Zebua reported here on Monday.

The security in Raja Ampat and Sorong had been tightened since several days. The peak event will be highlighted with a parade of yachts from Indonesia as well as Australia and the United States.

To reach Raja Ampat, visitors have to travel to Sorong and proceed to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat District, by a small plane or speed boat.

As part of the Sail Indonesia series, Sail Raja Ampat is the sixth event after Sail Bunaken in 2009, Sail Banda in 2010, Sail Wakatobi-Belitung in 2011, Sail Morotai in 2012, and Sail Komodo in 2013.

The international maritime events have been organized with the objective of promoting tourism in the regions, accelerating development programs, improving access to isolated or remote areas, and improving welfare of the people.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu recently stated that the Sail Raja Ampat 2014 event will be more attractive than the previous Sail Indonesian events.

Raja Ampat, which literally means "Four Kings," had been derived from a local myth and has one of the most beautiful marine panoramas in the world.

The archipelago comprises around 1.7 thousand islands and encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of the West Papua Province. It has four major islands--Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta, and Misool--which are home to ancient rock paintings.

In 2012, Raja Ampat had been included in the Real Wonder of the World list. It has been recognized as one of the worlds 10 most beautiful diving sites and rated number one for its rich diversity of marine flora and fauna.

It consists of 1,320 fish species; 75 percent of the worlds coral species, 10 times the number of coral species in the Caribbean; five species of rare turtles; 57 species of mantis shrimps; 13 species of marine mammals; and 27 species of rare fish.

There are also 60 varieties of crayfish; 699 types of soft animals or species of mollusks, comprising 530 species of snails (Gastropoda); 159 species of shells (bivalva); two species of Scaphopoda; five species of squid (Cephalopoda); and three Chiton species.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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