Minister to Plant Coral Reefs in Jatilolo Gulf

Ternate, N Maluku - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu will plant coral reefs in the Gulf of Jailolo in West Halmahera District, North Maluku Province, local government spokesman Syarif Ali said here on Thursday. "The minister of tourism and creative economy will arrive in West Halmahera on April 21, and one of her activities is to plant coral reefs in the Gulf of Jailolo," Syarif said. Mari will plant the coral reefs at the marine tourism exotic diving site that has been attracting many domestic and foreign tourists, according to Syarif Ali. Syarif said that the planting of coral reefs by the minister, as part of Jailolo Bay Festival in West Halmahera District from May 14-19, 2012, would be a demonstration of the importance of preserving coral reefs. This is the fourth Jailolo Bay Festival to be held since it began four years ago. "We hope Mari's visit to plant coral reefs will make a significant contribution for the holding of Jailolo Bay Festival," Syarif said. The Jailolo Festival will begin with an opening ceremony at the Gulf of Jailolo on May 14, followed by a rowing and swimming competition the next day, to promote tourism, including the richness of indigenous customs and cultures in West Halmahera. (*)