Sail Raja Ampat to be Launched on June 21

Jakarta (Antara) - Sail Raja Ampat 2014 is ready to be kicked off at Waisai Torang Cinta (WTC) beach, Kota Waisai, Raja Ampat, West Papua, on June 21, 2014. "Sail Raja Ampat is ready to be implemented," Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sharif C Sutardjo said on Saturday when inspecting the preparations for the international maritime event in Raja Ampat. A total of 18 countries are expected to take part in the Raja Ampat Sail 2014. A number of participants to the Raja Ampat Sail 2014 would use ships from their countries. As part of the Sail Indonesia series, Sail Raja Ampat is the sixth after Sail Bunaken in 2009, Sail Banda in 2010, Sail Wakatobi-Belitung in 2011, Sail Morotai in 2012, and Sail Komodo 2013. The international event is organized with the aim to promote tourism in the regions, accelerate the development programs, and open up the isolated or remote areas. The main objective is to improve the welfare of the people. The agenda of Sail Raja Ampat will include a marine research expedition, a yacht rally, national and international seminars, civic mission, free medical services, a tourism promotion and sport competitions. Sail Raja Ampat will also be linked to Lake Sentani Festival 2014. (*)