REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANADO -- The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has set a target to develop 20 million hectares of water conservation area (KKP) by 2020.
"The ministry of marine affairs and fisheries had issued a working competence standard in 2013 that was especially designed for the management and planning of water conservation areas," Head of the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry's Human Resources Development Suseno Sukoyoyon said here on Friday.
The development of the KKP is not only for water conservation but also for human resources development.
He noted that Indonesia has tried its best to develop the KKP by involving professional workers who can apply competence standards in managing conservation areas.
"Based on analyses, some 2,500 workers with experience in water conservation will be required for developing the KKP.
He remarked that human resources development was important to manage marine and fisheries resources, especially in the face of the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) stated that the development of the maritime sector should be harmonized with the preparations for AEC in 2015.
"Indonesia should be able to capture all economic opportunities offered by AEC," Kadin Vice-Chairman Yugi Prayanto said.
According to him, Indonesia should engage in comprehensive, clear, and fair fisheries cooperation with ASEAN countries.
He noted that capital and regulation support are needed to improve the welfare of Indonesian fishermen.
He also proposed a processing cooperation scheme with ASEAN countries that, however, will ensure Indonesia's sovereignty as the owner of fisheries resources.
It was reported earlier that Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti issued various controversial policies to prepare Indonesia for AEC.
"In the run-up to the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia must become a leader in domestic markets," Susi Pudjiastuti stressed here on Wednesday.