Minister Launches Sail Wakatobi Belitong 2011

Wakatobi, SE Sulawesi, July 16 (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono here on Saturday launched Sail Wakatobi-Belitong (SWB) 2011.

The main objective of the SWB is to make Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi Province) and Balitong (Bangka Belitung Province, Sumatra) national and international tourist destinations, according to Agung.

The event is also expected to promote marine tourism in the two provinces in order to help improve the people's welfare.

Wakatobi is the world's largest biodiversity as it hosts 85 percent of the world's 700 coral reef species.

"Wakatobi is also known as the heart of the coral triangle, a marine national park and an international biosphere reserve. It is also an international marine tourism center with harmonious natural environment and has very diverse culture," the minister said.  

The SWB's theme is "Clean Ocean for the Future" which is meant to give a message that the cleanliness of Indonesia's maritime must be protected, he explained.

The event's main activities include Surya Baskara civic mission, a yacht rally and race, national and international seminars on marine issues, a cross-national marine youth gathering,  small and medium scale business, fishery and maritime exhibitions.

Among officials attending the SWB launch were Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Legislative Council (DPD) La Ode Ida, Southeast Sulawesi Governor  Nur Alam, Southeast Sulawesi Police Chief  Brig. Gen. Sigit Sudharmanto, and Wakatobi District Head Hugua.

After launching the SWB, Minister Agung left for Manado to inspect the eruption of Mount Lokon which is located in Tomohon, North Sulawesi.
(F001/HAJM)