IMI-IPB Discussed the Maritime Country
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country has not been able to exploit the potential of its marine resources yet. Therefore, the strategic concept to develop Indonesia into a powerful maritime nation and sovereignty is required. This was expressed by the International Law of the Sea expert, Prof. Hashim Djalal, in the seminar "’Membangun Strategi Negara Maritim (Strategic development for a Maritime State) ‘organized by Indonesia Maritime Institute (IMI) in cooperation with the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University (FPIK IPB), on Wednesday, 15 February 2012, at the Sumardi Sastrakusuma Auditorium, Darmaga Campus. "Its legality to the international and the Indonesian’ law, Indonesia is an archipelago. But, why we haven’t maximized in utilizing the wealth of our sea optimally yet. Thus, concept of the strategic development for the Indonesian maritime is needed," said one of the member of the Advisory Boards of IMI.
The member of the Advisory Boards of IMI, Ms. Conny Rahakundini, expressed that a strong maritime nation should also be supported by its strong defense. "Talking about the concept of a maritime nation, it means also talking about defense and defense industry as well. As the world’s largest archipelagic country, Indonesia should not only be able to maintain its sovereignty, but also to protect all its natural wealth," he said. she explained that the concept of a maritime nation cannot be separated from the defense forces. The strong defense will protect the state sovereignty from outside threats.
The special event, IMI Goes To Campus seminar, was organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of Bogor Agricultural University, and was participated by 596 participants. In addition, in the near future IMI will also implement “IMI Goes to Small Island”; under the program 2 graduates of FPIK IPB will be sent to a small and remote island to educate and to develop its community.
Finally, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of Bogor Agricultural University, Prof. Indra Jaya, stated that science and technology have not been developed properly, and they bocome one of the shortcomings for the development of Indonesia. Indonesia is a large country. To become a maritime nation, there are three areas that should be developed, as follows: 1). Source of life; 2). Trade and commerce; and 3). Maritime. Defense analysts from LIPI, Dra. Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, she reminds the challenge of Indonesia as the island nation in the globalization era. "To anticipate the globalization development, as an archipelagic country, Indonesia needs a maritime strategy in the form of Ocean Policy, which is until now has not been completed," she said. (Wied).
