Ministries collaborate to build Morotai as defense, fisheries area

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Defense are planning a collaboration to develop Morotai Island, North Maluku Province, as a defense and fisheries area in eastern Indonesia in 2025.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated that Morotai is a historical region from World War II with its strategic location to be developed as a defense area as well as a fisheries industry.

"The Defense Ministry is planning to develop the defense sector for the eastern region in Morotai. We are ready to support by developing an economic center through the fisheries industry in Morotai as well," Trenggono noted in a statement from his office on Friday.

The minister explained that development of the defense sector would be carried out by widening the airstrip and docks for warships to collaborate with the fisheries industry for development through a blueprint drafted by his side.

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According to Trenggono, the development of the defense area can also accommodate joint defense training with other countries and widen opportunities for the growth of the fisheries industry supported by improved airport infrastructure.

Thus, exporting fishery products from Morotai to Japan, as the largest market for tuna fish, becomes easier, Trenggono added.

On the other hand, his side is developing tuna cultivation in the Biak region, which can be replicated in Morotai.

"Morotai has good tuna potential. In Biak, we have created the cultivation. Once we succeed with (this in) Morotai, we can import the fish to Japan," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin explained that the development of the defense area in Morotai would begin by utilizing three air force runways, with one for commercial purposes and two for defense training areas.

His side also plans to build a pier in Daruba to dock warships.

The plan for joint training with Japan, Australia, and the Philippines begins in 2025.

"The population is not too large, and Morotai is directly exposed to the sea. Geographically, this is very strategic," Sjamsoeddin noted.