Sail Morotai 2012

Morotai Island located in North Maluku back into the spotlight due to host the annual Sail Morotai 2012 title. This activity is itself related to the implementation of the Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally involving hundreds of yachts from various countries. This year, the Sail Indonesia sail from Darwin, Australia to Indonesia in late August. Cruise lines will cross the seas of Indonesia and visiting many exotic islands such as Alor, Komodo National Park, Karimunjawa, Ternate, Salayar, Tanjung Puting, and much more.

Morotai Island located to the north of the island of Halmahera elected nautical party location that has a significant role for the growth and development of the tourism industry Morotai. Morotai name began to be known since World War II and was a base for General MacArthur when launched a counterattack against the Japanese forces in the Philippines and islands in Indonesia.

Opening of Sail Morotai 2012 was held on Saturday, September 15, Sail Morotai 2012 attended by the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Also present were veterans of the United States, Japan and Australia have ever set foot on Morotai. Implementation of Sail Morotai 2012 also attended ambassadors, ministers and representatives from the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines. Today's event also witnessed thousands of local residents.

Sail Morotai 2012 international class was officially opened with a dance attractions Soya-Soya, which is typical Moluccan war dance followed dance welcome from local districts in Maluku. Then came the dozens of yachts and a warship which participated in the Sail Morotai 2012. On that occasion, President Yudhoyono also inaugurated Morotai World War II Museum which contains artifacts and memorabilia from the war in Morotai.

In his speech, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed all the participants of Sail Morotai 2012, such as war veterans and foreign delegations. The President mentioned that Morotai Sail Indonesia is proof of our commitment to developing the economic potential in the Asia-Pacific region. For this purpose, Morotai and the Port of Bitung in North Sulawesi facing directly into the Pacific Ocean will be developed. It is intended that the islands of Indonesia will be able to survive and compete face of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region in the future.

Morotai will be developed in accordance with the potential for an extremely resource-rich maritime, fisheries and tourism. As a first step, Morotai area has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Indonesia Economic Development Plan. The government will also allocate funds for infrastructure development and encourage investors to further develop this area.

The first project undertaken in conjunction with the support of Sail Morotai is the improvement of port infrastructure and expansion of ports in Daruba, Morotai. Investors from Taiwan plans to develop the fishing industry in Morotai.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the committee who is also the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung, states that Morotai which covers an area of ​​1800 square kilometers, has a great potential in marine resources, fisheries and tourism. Regions bordering the Philippines is destined to become one of the region's economic growth in Indonesia.

Morotai oceans has at least 160 species of fish are in great demand in the international market. Approximately 150,000 tons of fish per year resulting from the oceans Morotai, but to date only 50% of the new potential utilized. The islands around also potentially in the production of pearl and seaweed. In addition, the strategic location of Morotai in the Pacific waters will certainly attract many investors.

Tourism potential in Morotai was a mainstay since Morotai unique role in World War II. Benyak of war who became a vehicle history tour in Morotai. Tourism potential is reinforced by the condition of the beautiful beaches, amazing underwater life with a number of wrecks that can be dived, and so forth.