Indonesian President Declares Support for Participation of More Pacific Countries in CTI-CFF

Indonesia is pulling for the participation of other Pacific countries in the CTI-CFF.

This was announced on June 19 by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a recent visit to Fiji.

The President was in Fiji for a state visit and to attend the 2nd Summit of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), where he was keynote speaker.

PIDF is a Fiji initiative bringing together NGOs, governments and business to discuss sustainable development in the region. It was established by Fijian Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama last year.

In his address (external link) to the PIDF, President Yudhoyono said, “As an archipelagic country, it is our priority to work more closely with the PIDF to conserve and enhance our fisheries and marine resources. We can collaborate to build linkages between our marine protected areas. In this regard, Indonesia supports the idea of expanding the participation of other Pacific countries in the CTI-CFF.”

President Yudhoyono also committed US$20 million to help Pacific Island Countries combat climate change and boost the “green economy” in the region.

"We need green economy because our world today is facing a great challenge from the impact of climate change," he said. "By 2020, we aim to cut our emissions by 26 percent using only our own resources, and up to 41 percent with international support."

Meanwhile a joint press release (external link) on the state visit said “Prime Minister Bainimarama appreciated Indonesia’s invitation to Fiji to observe the CTI-CFF as their closer cooperation in this forum would contribute positively to the preservation of marine life in the Pacific region.”

“The two Leaders committed to promoting ecotourism, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine conservation, and enhancing capacity building cooperation useful for the two sides,” the press release reported. “As part of common efforts to enhance food security, Fiji and Indonesia agreed to collaborate closer on the processing/canning of fish products including by enhancing the participation of their respective small and medium enterprises.”

During the visit, Fiji and Indonesia signed memorandums of understanding in various areas including combating drugs and substances, fisheries, small and medium enterprises, public works infrastructure, diplomatic training, youth and sports and visa exemption for diplomats.