TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- Japan is finally realizing the planned development of Indonesia’s 6 outer islands as part of both governments' effort to boost ties in multiple strategic partnerships in the maritime sector.

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kano conveyed this matter during talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, in Jakarta on Monday, June 25, 2018.

“We have agreed to expand cooperation in various areas. First off, we will step up cooperation in the maritime sector, which plays a very strategic role for both nations,” Kono said after the bilateral meeting.

According to Kono, the Japanese government has inked an agreement on an exchange program in the fisheries sector. Japan, he added, would also continue to develop Indonesia’s outer islands as agreed in 2017.

Read: Indonesia - Japan Set To Develop Six of Nusantara`s Outer Islands

In response to Kono’s statement, the director general of sea management of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Brahmantya Satyamurti Poerwadi, said there were six ports that were presently being developed under the Indonesia-Japan ties, viz. Sabang, Natuna, Morotai, Biak, Saumlaki and Moa.

“The development of these outer islands of Indonesia is of Indonesia’s great interest in the fisheries sector. Japan also has similar attachment, they have historical values in the areas in World War II,” he said.

Brahmantya explained the funding for the development of the outer islands was still under discussion, but the ballpark figure might reach 6 billion yen. He added Japan might also help with fisheries technology, domestic markets, and capacity development.

TEMPO