National Maritime Day, Luhut: Momentum To Protect And Manage Marine Resources

Ocean illustration (doc. intermediate)

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said National Maritime Day (HMN) 2023 which falls on September 23 should be a momentum to maintain and manage Indonesia's maritime resources for a better future.

Luhut ensured that Indonesia, since independence, has shown a strong commitment to maritime development. The government has worked hard to increase maritime potential through innovative programs and policies.

Not only that, sustainable maritime resource management and climate change prevention efforts are also an important part of the maritime agenda. We must continue to work together to maintain marine ecosystems and ensure that future generations can also enjoy maritime heritage," he said, quoting Antara.

Luhut also asked that the celebration of this HMN should be used by all parties to become a momentum by being committed to maintaining, protecting, and managing maritime resources wisely.

In addition, it also utilizes maritime potential optimally, so as to encourage sustainable economic growth, improve inter-island connectivity, and provide welfare for all Indonesian people.

I would like to invite all elements of society, local governments, the private sector, academics, and all levels of society to continue to synergize and work together in realizing Indonesia's vision as the world's maritime axis. Let's maintain togetherness and the spirit of mutual cooperation in realizing the great ideals of the Indonesian nation. Happy National Maritime Day 59th, "said Luhut.

In commemorating HMN 2023, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs held a series of activities, namely the pre- and peak day of the commemoration. The pre-activity series is carried out with the Maritime Literacy Month which is filled with various types of events related to the maritime sector and held by various parties for one full month from the end of August to the end of September 2023.

Meanwhile, the peak day of HMN is planned to take place on Saturday (30/9) and is attended by President Joko Widodo in Kupang, NTT.

The peak of National Maritime Day centered at the Navy Main Base (Lantamal) VII, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara will be filled with a number of events that have been carefully prepared, including Soft Launching of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Summit (AIS); National Maritime Seminar at Nusa Cendana University (UNDANA); as well as other activities.

The history of determining the National Maritime Day was initiated by the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno, after the implementation of the First Maritime National Conference (Munas) which took place on September 23, 1963 which was later stipulated through the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 249 of 1964. The celebration continues to be commemorated aimed at expanding the literacy of the Indonesian people about maritime affairs.

HMN is also an important milestone in achieving national development goals in the maritime sector, so that it can further emphasize that Indonesia is the largest strong and superior archipelagic country.

The celebration of this year's HMN is a strategic momentum in conveying messages and a complete understanding to the public about the essence of Indonesia as the largest archipelagic country in the world that has an important role in regional and international areas. Along with the President's determination to realize the Indonesia World Maritime Axis, literacy about maritime needs to be further improved to all Indonesians.