Indonesian Government Officials Visit CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Building and CTI Center in Manado

Manado, February 11, 2013  – Two Indonesian ministers, Coordinating Minister for Welfare Affairs, Agung Laksono and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif C. Sutradjo visited the new CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Building and CTI Center on February 11, 2013 in Manado.

This building complex is in its final stage of construction and is already 98% complete. The two ministers, who planted trees in the building's garden, were accompanied by Dr. Sudirman Saad, Chair of Interim Regional Secretariat of CTI CFF and the relevant high level of government officials, interim Regional Secretariat, local governments, non-governmental organizations and invited guests.

Minister Sutardjo spoke on behalf of the Government of Indonesia and restated the Republic of Indonesia’s commitment to host the CTI-CFF as well as its commitment to support coral reefs conservation areas that have the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Indonesia has invested USD 5.5 million in the construction of the center covering 6,084 square meters. Aaprt from this, the Indonesian Government has also set aside 15,000 square meters of land for the center's expansion and supporting facilities.

The CTI Center has been designed and built for the purpose of central coordination, facilitation and collaboration of the six CTI member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and The Solomon Islands and CTI-CFF partners that align with Indonesia's initiatives.The center is located in the historical site where  the leaders of the six Coral Triangle countries came together for the CTI Summit and World Ocean Conference in 2009.

“This initiative promoted cooperative efforts in managing coastal and marine environment and securing the sustainability of marine biodiversity in the areas of the CTI six member states,” Mr. Sutardjo explained.

Dr. Gellwynn Jusuf, Secretary General for the Ministry of Marine Affairs in Indonesia said, “The Regional Secretariat building of CTI-CFF and CTI Center is one of Republic of Indonesia’s commitments, made when the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono together with the five other Heads of State jointly issued the CTI-CFF Leader’s Declaration in 2009”. The inauguration by the President of the Republic of Indonesia will be conducted once the Regional Secretariat is already equipped with professional manpower and ready for running the secretariat roles.

Dr. Sudirman Saad, Chairman of Interim Regional Secretariat while accompanying Ministers Agung and Sharif explained, “This building will become the center of operational management in achieving the targets of CTI program, whilst the CTI Center will be the arena for any activities and efforts to both protect and develop coral reefs, fisheries, coasts and other marine resources in the CTI areas.” “We hope that the Regional Secretariat Building of CTI-CFF can function as the world center of excellence for coastal and marine mega-biodiversity and the bull’s eye of relevant knowledge and science.” In the meantime, the huge aquarium and the exhibitions, which will be mounted in this building, will demonstrate CTI coastal and marine biodiversity.

“To be effective, coral reefs management has to be integrated into the bigger picture to avoid degradation and unpredicted disasters. The complex resource use planning and management also needs to transcend administrative borders and sovereignty. It requires collective action and effective coordination among all the Coral Triangle 6 countries” added Dr. Saad. About 120 million people depend on the abundant fisheries resources in this area for their livelihoods and millions more benefit from them. Thus, protecting the inheritance of our children and grand children in a sustainable manner is an imperative.

Photo Caption (Top to Bottom)

Upper Right: Dr. Gellwynn Jusuf, Secretary General for the Ministry of Marine Affairs (first from right) briefed Coordinating Minister for Welfare Affairs, Agung Laksono (third from right) and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif C. Sutradjo (second from right) about the CTI CFF Regional Secretariat Building and CTI Center in front of the building model. Dr. Sudirman Saad (Chairman CTI CFF IRS), Dr. Suseno (Executive Chairs, CTI CFF IRS) and Dr. Victor Nikijuluw (Executive Secretary Indonesia NCC) accompanied these two ministers.

Middle Right: Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif C. Sutradjo planted a tree in the front yard of the buildin

Lower Right: Coordinating Minister for Welfare Affairs, Agung Laksono and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif C. Sutradjo inspected the Gallery of Ornamental Fish exhibition at the second floor.

For further information, please contact:

M. Eko Rudianto, Chair for Coordination and External Affairs, CTI CFF Interim Regional Secretariat, mrudiant@yahoo.com, Cellphone.  +62 811802593
Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, Secretary for Coordination and External Affairs, CTI CFF Interim Regional Secretariat, hendrasiry@gmail.com, Cellphone.  +62 8129143536