TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said Indonesia as the largest archipelagic country in the world has the potential to become the global maritime axis. With its coastline of more than 108,000 kilometers, Indonesia’s potential wealth from the sea could be used to drive the economy

He also asked the people to change their perspective on the sea, which was no longer a separator but a link between islands.

“Sea is not a place for to throw away things we don’t need but a place to live. Sea is a source of livelihood, a gift from God that we must protect and honor,” said the President during his speech in the commemoration event of the 57th National Maritime Day, Thursday, September 23.

Although far from the city, coastal and marine areas have high economic potential. People in coastal areas could use fishery and marine products as economic sources. It also has the potential as maritime tourism and pharmaceutical source.

The state head underlined that the sea would be the basis of Indonesia’s blue economic growth.

“We must work hard to improve maritime connectivity, tighten maritime security to protect people's and national interests, exploit the maritime potential for more equitable economic growth, as well as increase the added value,” Jokowi said. However, he reminded that the exploitation of marine wealth should be carried out in a measured fashion.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA