Jakarta. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has announced plans to develop five maritime technology parks to improve fisheries-based business in Indonesia.

The plan will see the government work with universities, research institutes, businesses and local governments to boost productivity and develop new products through science and technology.

The areas set for development — dubbed Technoparks for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, or TPKP — have been announced as  the Natuna Islands in Riau Islands province; Simeulue district in Aceh; Sangihedi Islands district in North Sulawesi; Western Southeast Maluku district in Maluku, and Merauke district in Papua.

“We have set aside a Rp 17 billion [$1.2 million] budget for TPKP development in those five areas,” said Achmad Poernomo, head of research and development at the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

“The TPKPs can help improve the economy and the lives of people in the areas,” Achmad said.

Developing Indonesia’s maritime sector is a key goal for President Joko Widodo, who has outlined plans to improve maritime infrastructure and stamp out illegal fishing.

The post Govt Announces Development of Maritime ‘Technoparks’ appeared first on The Jakarta Globe.