Marine festival offers attractions in W. Sumatra

The Jakarta Post, Syofiardi Bachyul

The Youth and Sports Ministry organized last month a marine festival at a beautiful beach in Padang, West Sumatra. The annual event, called the International Youth and Sport Marine Festival (FIPOB) was aimed at promoting tourism in the province.

Apart from sports contests such as boat race, diving, swimming, fishing, surfing, paragliding and many more, the festival also highlighted cultural shows.

It also saw culinary competitions like cooking lemang (local snack) and crushing chilis.

There was a contest dedicated to fishermen, namely pulling the fishing net competition.

The most appealing contest was the kite competition during which various shapes of kites were flown.

Expatriates from Brunei Darussalam, Germany and Malaysia took part in various competitions.

BMG warns possibility of high tides in Mentawai

Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang

The West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Coordination Unit has issued a warning to fishermen and ship operators about the possibility of strong waves in the Indian Ocean, including waters around the Mentawai Islands regency.

Unit head Ade Edward said Wednesday the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency (BMG) predicted three- to five-meter swells could hit the region between Sept. 24 and Sept. 27, while three-to four-meter waves may be present between Sept. 28 to Sept. 30.

"Such high waves could pose a risk to all kinds of vessels sailing in the Indian Ocean, including waters around the Mentawai Islands and coastal areas of West Sumatra," said Ade.

He said the high tides could trigger natural disasters along the coast of West Sumatra.

"Those living in areas prone to abrasion should heighten their awareness," he said.

The head of the BMG in Padang, Emrizal, said it was not possible to record or predict the arrival of high tides accurately.

"However, high tides will probably take place around the Mentawai Islands next week," he said.

Passenger ferries plying the Padang-Mentawai Islands route continue to operate on an irregular schedule despite the warnings.

A Sumber Rezeki Baru vessel, which should have departed for Padang on Tuesday at 6 p.m. from the Maileppet dock in South Siberut, Siberut Island, was forced to leave Wednesday at 7 p.m. for the 10-hour journey.

"Ships were unable to leave last night due to high tides," a passenger, Gerson, 25, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

In Sikakap on Pagai Island, fishermen have been reluctant to go out to sea since an earthquake struck Bengkulu on Sept. 12.

"Most of the residents in Sikakap are still taking refuge on the hills, including fishermen. They are especially reluctant to go fishing now the tides are high," Supri, a Sikakap resident, said.

In Parupuk Tabing, Padang city, at least five houses located near the beach were severely damaged by three-meter waves on Sept. 25. A week earlier, 11 houses in the same area were damaged by high tides. However, in general residents living in erosion-prone areas were yet to move to safer locations.

Parupuk Tabing village administrative chief Usman Syamra said many houses had been cracked by the earthquake.

"The houses are no longer inhabitable. Their wells have been submerged by sea water and can no longer be used. Residents have to buy clean water," he said.

Navy to build marines infantry brigade in S Sulawesi

Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) will soon build a marines infantry brigade in Pinrang district, South Sulawesi, to strengthen security in the Makassar Strait known as Indonesian Islands Waterway II.

"We will build it as soon as possible, depending on the preparedness of the Pinrang district administration in preparing the required land and promoting the local people`s understanding about the matter," Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Slamet Soebijanto said Thursday.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of his visit to observe the planned location for the marines infantry brigade at Ujung Lero village about 200 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province.

The marines infantry brigade will be the second of its kind to be overseen by the Naval Base VI after the one in Makassar.

However, the naval chief stopped short of mentioning the number of personnel to serve at the marines infrantry brigade.

"We will adjust their number to the need," he said.

He said the village was chosen as the location for the marines infantry brigade as it had strategic position.

"The Makassar Strait is passed through by many international ships. So we must secure the waters well. Otherwise, our image in the eyes of the international community will be bad," he said.

Indonesian police`s speed boat stranded in Malaysia`s water due to engine failure

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A speed boat of Indonesia`s water police was stranded in Malaysian waters due to engine failure, Commissioner General Iman Haryatna, Head of the Security Development Body of the Indonesian Police, said here on Thursday.

"Our boat had an engine failure on September 25, 2007, and was carried away by sea waves to Malaysian waters. As the consequence, the boat was arrested by Malaysia`s police," he said.

Two water policemen aboard the ill-fated boat were patrolling Indonesia`s waters to detect any log smuggling attempts into Malaysia, he said. On September 2, 2007, the same speed boat arrested a boat carrying 43,000 m3 of illegal logs, he said.

"So, the boat was in charge of stopping log smuggle attempts in the sea route, which is prone to smuggling of illegal logs," he said.

"The boat and the two policemen were detained but today they will be handed over to the Indonesian Police after receiving an explanation that the boat had stalled in the sea," he said.

So, the case was dealt with peacefully, he said.

Commenting on the Malaysian media` reports, he said that he had no idea about a shooting incident by the Malaysian police in the arrest of the Indonesian boat.

Navy foils piracy attempt on tanker in Malacca Strait

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

The Indonesian Navy has foiled a hijacking attempt by a group of pirates that boarded Kraton tanker, which was transporting 2,294 tons of cooking oil across the Malacca Strait.

The Navy foiled the piracy attempt Monday after the tanker, which departed from Palembang, South Sumatra, en route to Cilacap in Central Java, was attacked by 14 pirates at the tip of the Musi River on Saturday.

Ruskandi, the captain of the tanker, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that after sailing for five hours from the Musi River near Palembang, a group of people in a small boat approached the tanker and climbed on board waving pistols.

"A number of the tanker's crew members were kidnapped. I immediately informed Teluk Bayut port's administration about the incident ... told the officers the pirates had brought bombs with them and were ready to use them," Ruskandi said.

He said the pirates took over the tanker, which was transporting cooking oil worth around Rp 22 billion (US$2.40 million), and steered the tanker in the direction of Malaysia or Singapore. He said all crew members, including himself, were tied up.

Commander of the Navy's West Fleet Commodore Denny Novendy said the piracy attempt was foiled after the Navy deployed six of its warships.

"The warships intentionally hit the tanker to give the pirates a fright. With only one shot fired by the pirates, the Navy managed to overpower them without causing any casualties," Denny said.

He said the group of pirates was led by Hussen, whose headquarters is in Palembang. He added the group was equipped with a 200 horsepower speedboat and a number of pistols and sharp weapons.

"We're now investigating the piracy attempt, to uncover who the mastermind(s) are behind it. The Navy will thoroughly investigate it," he said.

Head of the Navy's information section, Col. Iskandar Sitompoel, said the attack was the first piracy attempt foiled by the Navy this year, despite the relatively high frequency of piracy incidents.

"However, the Navy has expressed confidence in maintaining security in the Malacca Strait and cooperation with its counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia," Iskandar said.

Setiono, one of the captured pirates, said the 14 pirates in the group consisted of members from four groups with various skills, who were reportedly recruited by a Palembang resident identified as Zulkifli, 50.

Setiono admitted to have been assigned to drive the tanker into Malaysian waters. The pirates were promised Rp 150 million each if they managed to steer the tanker to Malaysia, he said.

"Our group was equipped with a satellite telephone facility in order to report once the tanker had entered Malaysian waters. This is my first experience with piracy," said Setiono, a freelance captain who claimed to hail from Surabaya.

Other pirates in charge of taking over the tanker were M. Teguh and Hussen, who later disclosed the piracy attempt had been planned for one month under orders from Zulkifli.

"The authorities need to capture Zulkifli, who employed us. He is the mastermind behind this piracy attempt," Teguh said.

One thousand Bangladeshi fishermen missing in storm

Barguna, Bangladesh (ANTARA News) - About 1,000 fishermen along with nearly 100 trawlers went missing in the high waves of the Bay of Bengal, a local official said Saturday in the fishing port Barguna in southern Bangladesh.

Local administrator Selim Khan said the missing fishermen were caught in an unexpected storm which whipped up high walls of water in the bay early Friday.

Khan said hundreds of fishermen went to the bay at the advent of the autumn fishing season.

"There were about 1,200 fishermen on the missing trawlers," Golam Mustafa Chowdhury of the Barguna Fishing Trawlers` Association said.

Survivors said several trawlers were damaged by the tropical squalls.

A rescue operation has been mounted by coast guards and fire brigade divers, DPA reported.

Papuan fishermen rescued after 20 days at sea

The Jakarta Post

AMBON (Antara): Three fisherman stranded for 20 days were rescued Saturday in Maluku's Seram Sea by warship the KRI Cenderawasih-533, the Navy has announced.

The fishermen were evacuated to the Navy's Ambon naval base in Halong village, the ship's commander Major Baharuddin Anwar said Saturday.

The three men, identified as Abidin, Roi and Udin Rumatu, underwent intensive medical treatment at the naval base's hospital and would be sent home to Fak-Fak, Papua, after their recovery, he said.

The Papuan fishermen's ordeal began after the engine of their boat broke down on Sept. 1. The men were forced to survive by eating flying fish eggs and drinking seawater after their food supplies ran out.

Japan to provide assistance for RI`s Maritime Security Agency

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Japan is to donate three patrol boats and US$300 million to Indonesia`s Maritime Security Coordination Agency (Bakorkamla) in support of efforts to maintain security in Indonesia`s maritime territory, the agency`s chief said.

"In addition to the three patrol boats, Japan is also to provide a US$300 million grant for the development and improvement of Bakorkamla," the agency`s chief, Vice Admiral Djoko Sumaryono said on Wednesday after the signing of a maritime security cooperation agreement between Bakorkamla and the North Sulawesi provincial administration.

He said many countries, including Japan and Germany, were prepared to help Bakorkamla in capacity building.

"Although Bakorkamla is not yet functioning as a `coast guard`, other countries are keenly interested in the agency`s existence. They know about us and are committed to assisting us," Djoko said.

Asked about the realization of the Japanese assistance, Djoko said it would be handed over to the Indonesian government in December 2007 while the grant of US$300 million had also been reported to the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas).

Commenting on a report that Japan had cancelled a plan to give 142 patrol boats to Bakorkamla because the agency had yet to operate as a coast guard, Djoko said the report was not true.

"We are going to reconfirm the suspension, but in reality the Japanese government has agreed to give three patrol boats and US$300 million fund to Bakorkamla," Djoko said.

He said that besides Japan, Germany was also ready to help in anti terror training program and the report of maritime danger to Bakorkamla personnel.

"The assistance in anti terror training program will be given by Germany`s antiterror special force SG-9, in addition to providing Bakorkamla with multi-purpose boats," Djoko said.

He added Indonesia was currrently making efforts to have the German assistance plan realized in the near future.

RI, U.S. sign agreement on disaster mitigation

The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA (Antara): Indonesia's Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) renewed an agreement on disaster mitigation on Tuesday, adding a new clause on the installment of four detecting buoys in disaster-prone areas.

The cooperation with the NOAA has been established since 2000, covering 12 field, including disaster early-warning signals, said Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Freddy Numberi after signing the agreement with the Assistant Administrator of theNOAA, Richard W Spinrad.

The ministry's secretary-general, Widi Agoes Pratikto, said the NOAA also provided technical assistance through an extension specialist program that would evaluate factors that could reducethe number of victims in disasters.

The cooperation between the ministry and the NOAA would also cover marine and coastal area observation, and research on marine and coastal area development, management and conservation.

The NOAA would also provide training and courses in Indonesia's 33 provinces on threats and dangers to marine life and fisheries.

"The NOAA uses its satellites to detect these threats and dangers. Now, it's up to us whether we can read the data that they provide. Therefore, we have to be ready for that," Widi said.

He said the NOAA also offered research on various issues such as global warming, marine pharmaceutical and sea level rises. The body earlier gave input for the drafting of a bill on coastal areas and islands in Indonesia, he said.

Australia arrests 61 Indonesian fishermen

The Jakarta Post

BRISBANE (Antara): Australian authorities have arrested 61 Indonesian fishermen on charges of poaching in an Australian fishery zone, an official said Wednesday.

"We previously received notification on the arrest of the Indonesian fishermen. But only this week did we get their data from the Australian Immigration authorities," First Secretary at the Indonesian Consulate General in Darwin, Teguh Wiweko, toldAntara on Wednesday.

He said the consulate general needed the fishermen's information to prepare travel documents for their deportation.

Usually in these types of cases, a crew member is detained for a week or 10 days before he or she is deported, Teguh said.

On Aug. 25, Australian patrol boats also detained three Indonesian traditional fishing vessels with 29 crew members in the waters of the Ashmore islands.He said the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 1974 that allowed Indonesian traditional fishermen to fish in the waters of the Ashmore islands for their personal needs. However,commercial fishing is not allowed.

However, the area is a nature preserve so Indonesian fishermen should respect the status of the waters, he said.

Navy to set up base in Yogyakarta

Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy is planning to set up a base in the Yogyakarta region, central Java, to better ensure maritime security to the country`s south, its chief said.

"Yogyakarta is one of our choices as it is quite strategically located," Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Slamet Soebijanto said here on Monday.

He said Indonesia still lacked adequate naval bases covering waters to its south. "We only have one but it is located in Kupang (East Nusatenggara)," he said.

It was hoped the plan to build a base in Yogyakarta could be realized soon, Soebijanto said, adding the existence of a naval base in the area would guarantee security for ships passing through waters off the country`s southern coasts.

"With the security guarantee it is hoped the economic sector in the region will further develop," he said.

Regarding the precise location of the base he said there were two alternatives, namely Kulon Progo or Gunung Kidul.

Seismologists tracking Indonesian quakes get a taste of the real thing

The Jakarta Post

PADANG (AP): American seismologist John Galetzka grabbed his video camera and screamed as the beach trembled violently beneath him. Despite the danger, he was not about to miss what could be the most deadly natural disaster of our time.

"Ooooohh! This is the big one!" whooped the scientist, who plopped down on the sand to film coconuts shaking out of trees as Wednesday's magnitude 7.9 quake hit.

Galetzka has spent nearly a decade studying this fault off Sumatra island - the world's most active - and believes it is ready to explode, leading to a potential repeat of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 230,000 people. Or even something worse.

Last week's powerful temblor shook four Southeast Asian countries, triggered two massive aftershocks and spawned a 3-meter-high tsunami. It killed 23 people and injured at least 88 more, but it was not the megathrust Galetzka and others have been fearing.

The activity did, however, put even more tension on the so-called Mentawai island patch - a nearly 300-kilometer stretch along the volatile fault - that pops about every 200 years.

It last snapped in 1833, according to research by the California Institute of Technology's Tectonics Observatory, causing a quake of around magnitude 9.0.

"Whether it cuts loose a few minutes from now, or next month, or another 10 or 20 years, that's the big question," said Galetzka, a CalTech research assistant, who was setting up a monitoring station on Siberut island when the quakes hit. "But we are a huge step closer. I think it's just around the corner."

The island is perched directly atop the Mentawai patch, about 150 kilometers off western Sumatra's coast.

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

The most closely watched fault is the meeting point of the Eurasian and Pacific tectonic plates, which have been pushing against each other for millions of years. The magnitude 9.0 quake that set off the 2004 tsunami was centered along that line, and more than two-thirds of those killed in 12 nations lived in Aceh province, on Sumatra's northern tip.

Last week's quakes were also centered along that fault, but they formed a circle around the Mentawai island section that Galetzka and others worry so much about. That means the pressure continues to build there.

Padang, a low-lying seaside city of 900,000 people, is expected to take the heaviest hit next time a big one strikes, with authorities fearing up to 100,000 will be unable to escape giant waves that could once again surge across the Indian Ocean at jetliner speeds.

Many people said a public awareness campaign launched after the 2004 tsunami paid off, with warnings issued over mosque speakers and training provided by local officials on how to escape a disaster.

But some complained they received no official warning this time.

"I'm more afraid than ever of a tsunami," said Yurizal, a 31-year-old brick maker from Kota Agung village who felt the strong tremor but heard no warnings after. "We need sirens or something before it's too late."

Chinese boat poaching in Indonesian waters

Biak, Papua (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian Navy patrol boat intercepted a Chinese Siong Siong Hay boat when it was poaching in Padaido waters in Biak Numfor district early on Sunday, an official said.

The KRI Taliwangsa ship had trailed the Chinese boat carrying 19 crew members since Saturday afternoon before the latter was caught 10 miles east of Padaido island, Indonesian ship commander Capt Toto Irianto said here Sunday.

KRI Taliwangsa crew members did not find any compulsory document on Siong Siong Hay`s activity when they searched the Chinese boat, he said.

The Siong Siong Hay boat was now held in a pier belongs to Mina Jaya fishery firm in Semau village here.

Toto said the local officials found hard to interrogate the Chinese farmers as they could not speak English and were looking for a Chinese interpreter for a question.

Endangered Kalimantan monkey found in untapped forest

Pelaihari, S Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Some 60 nasalis larvatus, sp (local monkey) were found living in group in an untapped forest in Asam Asam area in Tanah Laut (Tala) district by researchers of the South Kalimantan-chapter of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), an official has said.

The finding of the endangered nasalis larvatus (locally called bekantan) last August was incredible as the albino mammal has been threatened with extinction, South Kalimantan chapter of BKSDA chairman Siswoyo said here Sunday.

Even, Kaget island which was turned into a nasalis larvatus habitat only has a smaller number of nasalis larvatus, he said.

Nasalis larvatus population in Kaget island has dwindled due to mining activities near the island, he said.

"The finding of around 60 bekantan monkeys which like to live in companionship in a solitary place is very encouraging," he said.

To maintain the population of the endangered animal, the South Kalimantan-chapter of BKSDA has asked Tala district head Adriansyah to ban any group from doing activity in Kaget island.

"The Tala district head has agreed with the idea. BKSDA has also asked South Kalimantan governor Rudy Ariffin to help protect Kaget island from any mining activities which can harm the population of nasalis larvatus," he said.

Indonesia to improve port security

Indonesia has announced it will improve security at seven of the country's major port terminals after a U-S Coast Guard warning.

The Transport Ministry says the Coast Guard found seven terminals that did not fully comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

It says Indonesia has 90 days from the notification to fix the problems and the department is already working on the problem.

If the the improvements aren't made, then goods and ships from the ports will require tight escort when arriving in the United States, which would create higher costs.

Jitters as Indonesia buys Russian subs

Mark Forbes Herald Correspondent in Jakarta

September 5, 2007

INDONESIA will finalise a $1.2 billion deal with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in Jakarta tomorrow, to fund the purchase of Russian submarines, tanks and helicopters.

The acquisition of two high-performance Kilo-class submarines has significant strategic implications for Australia and could erode its naval dominance in the region, military experts believe.

An Indonesian Navy spokesman, Sugeng Darmawan, told the Herald long-term plans to buy another eight of the new submarines were already being discussed.

Tomorrow's agreement will deepen military links between Russia and Indonesia as well as upgrading Indonesia's army, navy and air force. It will reduce Indonesia's dependence on US military supplies.

Under the deal, Russia will provide a $1.2 billion line of credit to finance the military purchases. Indonesia will acquire two of the most advanced conventional submarines built by Russia, 22 helicopters and 20 tanks.

The move will fuel rising concerns about an accelerating regional arms race, with China, Japan and Australia - among others - involved in big military acquisitions. Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum leaders will this weekend discuss concerns about the regional build-up.

The head of the Australian National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Hugh White, said the submarine purchase would "significantly complicate" Australia's naval planning as they would represent a real threat to surface warships.

"These are Russia's highest quality conventional boats; they would significantly increase Indonesia's capability," he said. "It is most strategically significant for Australia; if there was any conflict with Indonesia these submarines would massively complicate the use of Australian surface ships."

The continuing pattern of big arms purchases in the region was eroding Australia's air and naval advantage, despite the $10 billion acquisition of air warfare destroyers, he said.

Australian defence planning has the destroyers as essential to protecting military forces deployed offshore.

First Admiral Darmawan said Indonesia's navy was proposing a fleet of 10 submarines and 260 surface ships in the longer term.

Mr Putin and the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, would witness the signing of the deal tomorrow, the Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesman, Edy Butar Butar, said.

It is the first visit of a Russian leader to Indonesia and the pair will hold wide-ranging talks before travelling to Sydney for the APEC summit. Stronger trade, as well as military ties, will be endorsed.

Brigadier-General Butar said the deal would reduce Indonesia's military dependence on the US.

Coral reef in Bangka Belitung Damaged

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Province (ANTARA News) - Around 30 percent of coral reefs in Bangka Belitung (Babel) waters have been damaged due to illegal tin mining and fish poaching activities, an official said.

Coral reefs in Lepar and Pongok (South Bangka), Tanjung Ular (West Bangka), Mendanau and Nasik Strait (Belitung) were damaged at an average rate of 30 percent, Dr Yulistyo, head of the Bangka Belitung marine and fishery service, said here on Tuesday.

On Bangka Island in particular, the coral reef damages were due to floating tin mining activities which used boats to absorb tin ore, he said.

The most damaged areas were in the coastal line where tin mining activities were carried out up to a depth of 30 meters, he said.

Coral reef damages could affect the province`s economy because reefs were important habitat of fish. When the habitat was damaged, the fish would also be gone and the province`s fishermen would be difficult to get fish, he said.

Another factor which damaged coral reefs was illegal poaching activities which used explosives, he said.

Indonesia has around 17 percent of the world`s total coral reefs.

US wants to import frozen kerapu from Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States has expressed its readiness to import frozen `kerapu` seafish during a meeting with its Indonesian counterpart recently, Director General for Fish Breeding, Made L Nurjana said here on Tuesday.

The director general said that his office sometime ago held a meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the U.S. importation of Indonesian shrimp. "The FDA said that consumers in the United States could also accept Indonesia`s frozen `kerapu` fish."

He said that Indonesia so far had exported its kerapu fish to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was exported in live state so that the volumes were limited.

The director general said that kerapu fish which was exported in live state had high risk of dying on the way so that it was difficult to carry out exports of this fish in large volumes.

Apart from that, it would take one year to breed this fish until they could be harvested so that production volume was also difficult to increase.

He said that the United States would not limit the volume of its demand for kerapu fish, particularly the `kerapu tikus` (Cromileptes altivelis)fish type. Indonesia so far has been exporting white kerapu fish only, he added.

Divers, villagers join forces to rebuild reefs

Marnix Beugel, Contributor The Jakarta Post, Sunda Strait, West Java

Experienced volunteer divers, along with the assistance of local villagers, have constructed an artificial reef in the Sunda Strait under the Build Your Own Reef project organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia. These "man-made" reefs will accelerate the restoration of the area's marine life and ecosystem while supporting the local fishing communities.

The WWF organized the first Build Your Own Reef weekend over May 19-20 in the strait, the waterway between the islands of Java and Sumatra famed for being the site of the very active Krakatau volcano group, as well as the vast Ujung Kulon National Park.

Pulau Badul, located in the bay of the park on the southwestern tip of Java, was chosen as the site for this project.

The reef surrounding the tiny island, tipping just above sea level at high tide, had almost been completely destroyed by fish bombing five years ago. It has been protected since, but the recovery of the reef has been slow, due to its near state of total devastation.

Fish bombing is a common practice in Indonesia, as well as other parts of the world. Fishermen use explosives to kill fish, which then come floating to the surface, and the fishermen make their pick.

However, the bombs kill everything: smaller fish and other marine life, soft corals and hard corals -- sadly, none of it of any commercial interest. When the fishermen collect their catch, they leave behind anything other than the bigger edible fish, together with the reef, now a graveyard.

The devastation hits all non-targeted marine life in much greater numbers than the few targeted fish. Even worse, it destroys an entire system, leaving nothing but lifeless ruins for years to come.

The practice is being increasingly monitored by authorities, but is very difficult to eliminate, all the more so in a country as poorly policed and difficult to govern as Indonesia.

Thus, the sustainability of this project depends on the local community taking ownership.

With a purely correctional method not a viable option, the WWF has been working tirelessly on involving locals as much as possible and ensuring that the villagers profit from the projects economically.

This alternative income for local villagers would come from a variety of sources, such as coral farming, which produces the colonies used for reef building. In the case of this particular trip, 40 percent of the weekend's proceeds were used to pay the coastal villagers for their "products" -- coral -- and associated costs.

As yet, a coral farmer cannot generate enough income from the farming alone to sustain himself, so it should be supplemented by other means, such as fishing. But with villagers now actively involved in the farming, which provides at least some of their income, this is hoped to lessen their need for fish bombing.

A second source of income is tourism, but this is a longer-term goal. Tourism is always a double-edged sword because it can cause destruction on its own, but it can also improve the sustainability of marine life, as in the case of the Maledives.

The WWF projects in Ujung Kulon have already drawn the attention of some avid divers, who sometimes stay in the villages, rent local boats and explore other parts of the area. If the total area could be developed in a sustainable way, the benefits of tourism would most likely far outweigh any destruction it could bring.

Without these alternative income sources, the fishermen tend to encroach not only marine but also terrestrial areas of the park. The ecological benefits thus reach much further than the sea.

The organization also sought a commercial partner who would invest in this project by attracting others to contribute, and received generous support from several companies.

Live-aboard organizer Java Sea Charters provided the luxury Cecelia Ann charter boat, operating the weekend at a loss; the Blue Bird transportation group provided buses for the 4-hour return trip to and from Tanjung Lesung.

In addition, Unilever's latest Calbee Minori snacks were the answer to divers' munchies, Kristal Klear Divers provided extra tanks, and local beer brewer Bintang opened the taps for liquid sustenance for the hard-working reef builders.

The reef-building group's first dive at Pulau Badul was to demonstrate what can be done when humans interfere subtly to give nature a little help.

In one part of the island, the WWF had constructed several artificial reefs made from concrete hollow cubes. Their pyramidal shapes provide an optimal surface area for coral to grow while providing fish with a shielded area.

Only one year after construction, these artificial reefs showed a remarkably rich marine life, including colorful, young hard and soft corals, plenty of lionfish, schools of catfish and shrimp.

The reef the divers were to build was slightly different: Small hard and soft coral colonies were attached to bricks, which were in turn attached to concrete bed-shaped structures. Aside from the pyramidal reefs already in place, these colonies should give the corals' development a jump start.

Within one day of promoting the reef-building weekend among leisure divers, the trip was overbooked. Scuba divers apparently did not want only to "consume" marine life as passive viewers, but also wanted a chance for an active role in maintaining marine biodiversity.

In evaluating the weekend afterwards, all divers agreed that they were greatly concerned about the devastation of marine life around the globe. Many also admitted that their efforts might be for "selfish" reasons -- they wanted to be able to keep on diving with turtles, tuna and trevally, and gliding weightlessly by beautiful corals.

They also agreed that, for a change, working during a dive to do their part toward marine conservation gave them as much satisfaction as the more well-known divers' kicks like large shark encounters or the joy of lounging with gentle, giant manta rays.

The raving feedback from the weekend's participants -- and the overbooking prior to the trip -- have prompted a decision to organize the event on a more regular basis. Logically, these repeat trips will include monitoring the development of the recently built reefs.

WWF Indonesia has set up a page on their general website dedicated to the reef-building project at www.wwf.or.id/BuildReef.

The site also provides information on other WWF projects, as well as what individuals can do for the oceans, such as the Sea Food Guide on which species to eat and not to eat.

It is the small steps taken by many that will go a long way in sustaining marine life -- and the environment.

For more information on the project and the next reef-building weekend, contact Adhi of WWF Indonesia at ahariyadi@wwf.or.id.

Indonesia accepted into IOTC

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, after four years of attempts, has finally been accepted as the 27th member of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Freddy Numbery said here overnight.

In a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV, the minister said the Indonesian entry into the IOTC was a sign of the country's commitment to continually cooperating with other countries in the exploitation of tuna fish resources in the Indian Ocean.

"In addition, Indonesia's membership in IOTC is also a sign of its commitment to stepping up the effort to cope with illegal tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean," Freddy Numbery said.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Affairs Director General Ali Supardan said Indonesia's membership in IOTC was of great advantage in saving time and money in the research and collection of fishing data.

Ali Supardan said it was also useful in the exploitation of Total Allowable Catch (TAC), Monitoring, Controlling and Surveylance (MCS), and law enforcement.

"The most important thing for Indonesia is that it can have an access to sell tuna fish at international market," Ali said, adding that Indonesia's membership in IOTC was strengthened by the issuance of Presidential Regulation No.9/2007 on the agreement to form Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and its 11th annual conference on May 13-18 in Mauritius.

Government urged to develop neglected fishery ports

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - House of Representatives` fishery commission has called on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) to give a priority to the development of fishery ports which have been neglected in a number of regions in Indonesia.

The appeal was made in a hearing between the House`s Commission IV and the Minister for Maritime and Fishery Affairs Freddy Numberi here on Monday night.

"The government in 2008 should give priorities to the development of fishery ports which have been neglected so far," Commission IV chairman Yusuf Faishal said.

The working meeting between the government and the House discussed the ministry`s proposed allocations for the revised 2007 state budget as well as draft budget for 2008.

The DKP was proposing a budget of Rp500 billion for the development of fishery ports in the country in 2008.

DKP`s Director General for Fish Catch, Ali Supardan said his ministry`s proposed budget was to be used to develop ocean-going fishery ports (PPS), fish-unloading ports (PPI) and fish-auction ports (TPI).

"Fishery ports that the government will give priorities in the 2008 stage budget are those located in disadvantaged regions and in Indonesia`s outlying areas," he said.

Survivor recounts days at sea

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, Jakarta

Syamsuddin has to live with regret. The survivor of a sinking fishing boat in the waters of Pangkajene Island regency, South Sulawesi, failed to save two sisters who were swept from his arms into the sea.

The 31-year-old crew member of the vessel, which capsized in rough waters Wednesday night with more than 30 people aboard including six crew members, failed to rescue Ira, 30, and her sister Jasirah, 14.

When the boat capsized, he managed to reach the two victims and another girl, 13-year-old Heny.

"I saw Ira, Jasirah and Heny. I took off my shirt and trousers and threw them toward the three to pull them closer to me.

"I told them to hang on to my neck ... but suddenly, several big waves came. Ira and Jasirah slipped away, I didn't see them again... but I saw Heny," Syamsuddin said.

He searched for the two but could not find them in the dark.

In the water, he later met another crew member, Daeng Mattu Beta, and four other passengers.

They spotted bamboo debris from the boat and in a desperate moment, gathered and turned it into a simple raft, measuring only three square meters.

Without food and sleep, and drinking only seawater, they drifted on the currents. One of the group, Hamid, died and fell into the sea.

Syamsuddin said he never stopped praying, hoping for God's help.

"God listened to my prayers. On Friday morning we spotted a passing ship. Our spirits lifted, although we were physically weak and had almost lost hope.

"We called for help, and waved ... the ship saw us and picked us up. Thank God we survived."

Heny said she never let go of Syamsuddin, even when the raft was repeatedly thrashed by waves.

The girl is one of six survivors who were picked up Friday by the ship KM Ciremai, which was on its way to Makassar.

On Saturday, Heny and three other survivors were treated at Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar. They were still weak and complained of pain in their chests but were on the road to recovery.

Two other survivors, including Syamsuddin, have returned home.

As of Saturday, a joint search team comprising the police, the Navy and residents were continuing a search for the remaining passengers.

Two Navy vessels, KRI Ajak and KRI Mandau, are also involved in the effort.

"We have also asked fishermen to help in the search. I hope the missing passengers will be found safe," said Pangkajene island regency administration secretary Surya Agraria.

A search is also under way to find survivors and missing passengers from a boat that sank in rough seas in Maluku province.

Two more survivors have been found from the ill-fated Wahai Star, which went down after suffering engine trouble in rough seas with some 60 passengers on board.

As of Saturday, 44 people had been rescued and the death toll had risen to 14.

"Two more people were found alive and are now being treated at Namlea Hospital on Buru Island. We have found nine more bodies," maritime policeman G. Tutupari told reporters in Ambon, AFP reported.

A series of recent fatal land and sea accidents has claimed dozens of lives across the country, putting Indonesia's poor transportation safety standards into the spotlight yet again.

Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Jamal warned Thursday that huge waves, in excess of six meters, would continue until August.

The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency attributed the huge waves to tropical cyclone Man Yi, which is expected to affect several regions in the country.

Waves are predicted to crash onto eastern shores near the Seram, Aru and Arafuru seas, the Fak Fak and Merauke coasts and most of Maluku.

Indonesia needs 200 thousands graduates in fishery and marine sector

Padang, Wes Java (ANTARA News) - Indonesia needs about 200 thousands graduates in the field of explorations and procession of maritime and fishery resources but institutions in this field in the country have yet to able to meet the demand, a lecturer said here on Friday.

"The need for graduates in this field in the last five years continue to increase sharply, namely about 200 thousand annually," Dean of Bung Hatta University`s Fisheries and Maritime School, Yempita Efendi said.

He said that Indonesian institutes of higher learning had not yet been able to meet the need because the number of such institutions in the country was only 12, both state-owned and privately-run institutes.

The 12 institutes of higher learning which open study programs in the fisheries and maritime resources could only turn out about 1,000 graduates annually. Still, not all of these graduates work in the sector, he said.

Govt warns of high waves, eruptions in coming weeks

M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The government warned Thursday of the possibility that natural disasters could strike in several of the country's regions in the coming weeks.

Senior government officials have asked the Indonesian people to brace for potential volcanic eruptions and huge waves expected to pound numerous coastal regions.

Speaking after a limited Cabinet meeting, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that at least 12 volcanoes were active throughout the country, while Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Jamal cautioned that huge waves, in excess of six meters in height, could persist until August.

Purnomo said the danger rating of 10 volcanoes is on the third highest level and that they require close monitoring. They are Talang in West Sumatra, Minor Krakatau in Lampung, Merapi in Yogyakarta, Semeru and Bromo in East Java, Batutara in East Nusa Tenggara, Karang Etan and Lokon in North Sulawesi and Dukono and Ibu in North Maluku.

Soputan in North Sulawesi is at "beware" status, the second highest danger level, while Gamkonora in North Maluku is at the highest alert status.

The heightened activities of Gamkonora prompted the evacuation of 13,000 people after the volcano began spewing ash and debris over the past few days.

On Thursday, the government also issued a warning for high waves.

Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) chairwomen Sri Woro Budiharti Haryono attributed the high waves to tropical cyclone Man Yi that will likely shroud several regions in the country.

Sri Woro said waves of between three and six meters in height will likely crash against the Eastern shores of the country near the Seram, Aru and Arafuru seas, the Fak Fak and Merauke coasts and most of Maluku.

On Wednesday, passenger ship KM Wahai Star, plying the Buru Island-Ambon route and carrying 60 passengers, sank in Pulau Tiga Isle. High waves were blamed for the incident.

Ships of all types are barred from travel when waves reach between three and six meters, Sri Woro said.

Waves of between two and three meters will likely pound coasts facing the Indonesian Ocean south of Java, waters off Masalembo and the Sulawesi Sea, she said, adding that sea transportation during periods when waves reach such heights is considered dangerous.

The government also warned of the possibility of flooding and forest fires in the coming months.

After hearing presentations about the possible disasters, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered relevant agencies to implement disaster mitigation procedures.

Yudhoyono asked the BMG to keep the public updated on weather occurrences and information that could serve as an early warning for disasters.

"The President also paid special attention to information on the heightened activities of volcanoes. He wants the BMG to coordinate with governors and regents throughout the country about disseminating the information," Purnomo said.

GromSearch surf comp visits Kuta

The Jakarta Post

KUTA: The second-to-last event of the Rip Curl GromSearch series will be held at Kuta Beach on July 15.

The waves off Kuta Beach are a perfect venue for the under-17 grommet surfers, who are expected to go all-out to win the event in front of the many tourists who throng the beach.

This is the fourth leg of the 2007 season. Previous event locations included Cimaja, in West Java; Lakey Peak, in Sumbawa; and Medewi, in North Bali.

The final event in the series will be held in October at Keramas Beach, in Gianyar, with the winner of the under-17 category pocketing an all-expenses-paid ticket to Australia to compete in the World GromSearch Finals, which will take place at Bells Beach in April 2008.

The winner of the under-15 category will win a brand-new surfboard.

The current leader of the under-17 category is 14-year-old One Anwar from Lakey Peak, in Sumbawa, who is closely followed by Putra Hermawan from Nusa Lembongan and One's older brother Gazali Hamzah.

The GromSearch has been sanctioned by the Indonesian Surfing Championship (ISC) and the points collected over the series will determine who will be crowned the 2007 ISC Junior Champion.

Mass tourism threatens beaches, coasts

Prodita Sabarini, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

Mass tourism on the island of Bali over the last three decades has caused considerable environmental damage to its beaches and coastal areas, an environmentalist said.

"There are too many people living on the island and too many buildings are being erected along the shorelines," Marthen Welly, an outreach officer from the Nature Conservancy, said.

Bali now has a population of around three million, with most people living on the coasts.

One of Bali's most polluted beaches is Sanur. Once a pristine beach, it is currently suffering serious sea erosion and water pollution.

The office of the Coordinating Team on Environmental Pollution Management in Bali has reportedly inspected the waste management systems of a number of hotels in the area.

The team found the Inna Sindhu Beach Hotel, the Mercure Accor Hotel and a number of other hotels did not have good waste management systems. Inna Sindhu Beach Hotel only had septic tanks.

"The water in Sanur is murky. Water pollution in this area is due to a lack of good waste management systems," Marthen said.

Mustika, a marketing official at Inna Sindhu Beach Hotel, said the hotel was waiting for the Denpasar Sewerage Development Project to be implemented, which was suppose to begin this year.

"We're waiting for that project to begin so we do not waste our money," he said.

Beach erosion in Sanur has occurred due to the loss of offshore coral reefs.

"In the past, coral reefs were used as building materials for hotels," Welly said.

Although the practice has been banned, the loss of coral reefs, which act as a natural barrier against large waves, has left the coast unprotected and has resulted in beach erosion.

A defunct project on Serangan Island developed by Hutomo Mandala Putra -- better known as Tommy Soeharto, the son of former president Soeharto -- has also resulted in a change in wave patterns and has caused further erosion to Sanur Beach.

The Serangan Island project involved expanding the island to three times its original size, through dredging sand from the ocean floor.

Around 20 percent of Bali's coastal areas have eroded. Two kilometers of the island's coastal areas are reportedly damaged annually. According to data from the Public Works Ministry's Agency for the Conservation and Restoration of River and Coastal Areas, the length of eroded beaches increased from 51 kilometers in 1987 to 90 kilometers in 2006.

Putu Sudana from the agency said the Bali administration had the difficult task (and dilemma) of preserving the environment while trying to boost the economy.

The agency has carried out conservation programs costing Rp 340 billion (around US$333 million) to halt beach erosion by building walls and embankments along some of the island's coastal areas. The money has mostly come from Japanese loans and the state budget.

"The cost to build these water breakers is far greater than the amount needed to preserve the environment in the first place," Welly said.

"There are hundreds of hotels in Bali which have been built close to shorelines... without consideration for the ecological impact.

"What good are hundreds of hotels if the natural beauty of the island is destroyed?"

According to data from the Bali Tourism Board, the number of hotel rooms in Bali has reached 52,000, while daily direct arrivals of foreign tourists is now between 3,000 and 4,000.

Welly said property owners have attempted to protect their properties by building water breakers independently. However, he said this is not a solution to the problem. "The water can flow to the building adjacent and cause problems there.

"The Bali administration should implement policies which are environment friendly, otherwise the natural beauty of the island will not exist for much longer... and as a consequence, the island will not attract as many tourists."

He said the majority of tourist divers had moved from the main island to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, islands south of Bali, to see coral reefs there because conditions in Sanur's waters were poor. "The beauty is lost."

"Eco-tourism is being promoted in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, which is a good thing," he said. "The tourism sector there needs to be developed with care, to ensure it does not face the same fate as Bali.

"Sanur Beach is just one example of the many destroyed areas on Bali. Comprehensive and concerted efforts must be made to revitalize and protect Bali's beaches."

More companies promise to protect Jakarta Bay area

Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Several more companies located in the vicinity of Jakarta Bay have promised to revise waste disposal methods in an effort to reduce pollution.

Some 37 out of 85 companies in the area have now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) detailing their commitment to protecting the bay.

"We will give them one year to meet their commitments, and if they fail to do so, we will withdraw their business licenses," Ridwan Panjaitan, head of pollution control at the Jakarta Environmental Management Board (BPLHD), said Tuesday.

Under the MoU, each company must treat its solid, liquid and hazardous waste and control air pollution from fixed and mobile sources, including emissions from factories and vehicles.

The companies are also required to submit reports about their progress to the BPLHD.

Companies that signed the MoU last week include Koja Container Terminal, state port operator Pelindo II in Tanjung Priok, the management of Ancol Dreamland recreation park and PT Indonesia Marine.

Residents argue a decline in fish numbers in the area is due to heavy pollution emitted from factories and businesses operating along the bay.

The program to clean up Jakarta Bay was first launched last year, with 19 companies initially signing the MoU.

However, only 10 companies have carried out their promises so far.

"Nine companies have not submitted reports regarding their progress. We will send them warning letters soon," he said.

The Jakarta administration has also been under pressure to clean up the city's river system recently.

The administration said 13 rivers flowing into the Jakarta Bay contribute at least 14,000 cubic meters of household waste to the area daily. This is almost half of the estimated 28,435 cubic meters of waste that enters the bay, endangering coral reefs and other sea life.

The Kepulauan Seribu regency is currently using four boats and a barge to clean up the sea, with collected garbage disposed of at the Bantar Gebang sanitary landfill in Bekasi.

The capital currently produces more than 6,000 tons of garbage per day.

Two die in missing ship incident

The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA (AP): Two children died in a missing ship incident in stormy areas in Pulau Tiga isle, eastern Indonesia province of Maluku.

The bodies of the children were found drifting away along with nearly dozens survivors in the waters where the passenger ship carrying 70 people disappeared due to failure engine midnight Tuesday.

Karim Tuanaya of the local port authority said that the ship KM Wahai Star was carrying 53 passengers and 17 crew members when its engine broke down after encountering three-meter-high waves, he said, but it was not immediately clear if it sank.

An oil tanker plucked the bodies of two children from the sea and rescued 23 other people, Karim said, adding he had not yet heard any reports from survivors about the apparent accident.

"They are still on board the tanker, which decided to stay in the area because its crew heard people screaming for help," Karim said.

A search was under way involving some ships, but huge waves were hampering those efforts, he said.

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic nation, has been hit by a series of sea transportation disasters in recent months. In late December, a passenger ferry sank in a storm in the Java Sea, killing more than 400 people.

Surf competition in south Bali

The Jakarta Post

DENPASAR: Oakley Indonesia will hold the third annual "Oakley Thump Pro" surf competition at the infamous razor-sharp reef of Bingin Beach, on the Bukit Peninsula in south Bali, on Friday and Saturday.

Internationally known to surfers for its hollow and mechanically perfect tubes, Bingin Beach is also a delight for spectators, who can view the action from beachside warung.

The event will begin early Friday morning with 60 of Indonesia's best pro surfers taking part, including Rizal Tanjung, Marlon Gerber, Tipi Jabrik and Dede Suryana, as well as four international surfers. They will be competing for their share of the Rp 30 million (US$3,300) prize and valuable Indonesian Surfing Championship (ISC) points.

Also participating in the event are wildcard Oakley International Team riders Adam Melling from Australia and Sebastian Zietz from Hawaii. There will be a Masters Division on Saturday for surfers 35-years and over currently on the ISC circuit.

An awards presentation will be held Saturday afternoon, which is to be followed by a BBQ and live performances by Bondan Prakoso, Fade 2 Black and DJ James Hendrix and a special appearance by the FHM 2007 Girl Next Door contestants.

The Oakley Thump Pro is a six-star ISC event, where points are awarded and tabulated at the end of the year to crown a champion in the Pro, Masters, Pro Junior and Junior divisions.

PT PAL begins building four escort tug boats for JGC corporation

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA News) - National shipyard industry PT PAL Indonesia has received an order to build four escort tug boats for JGC Corporation - a project described by a PT PAL executive as the company`s biggest since 1997.

A function marking the keel-laying of the first of CGJ`s escort tug boats took place PT PAL Indonesia`s dockyard in Surabaya, on Tuesday.

Present on the occasion were representatives of the Tangguh LNG, BP Migas (oil and gas regulating body), the PT PAL Indonesia president director and other people to be involved the vessels` construction.

PT PAL`s managing director on the occasion expressed appreciation to CGJ Corporation for having entrusted PT PAL with the task of building the tug boats.

Therefore, he asked PT PAL personnel to ensure that the vessels would be of high quality and be delivered to CGJ Corporation according to the agreed schedule.

He noted PT PAL Indonesia already had experience in building various kinds of vessels, including off-shore and on-shore equipment.

PT PAL`s project director Husein Soleh on the occasion said CGJ Corporation`s order was PT PAL`s biggest project since the economic crisis in 1997.

A representative of BP Migas, Robert T, said the need for the escort tug boats was a consquence of a deal on the construction of an oil refinery.

Each of CGJ Corporation`s escort tug boats would be 32 meters long and have a maximum operational draft of 5,23 meters.

The first tug boat ordered by the CGJ Corporation would according to plan be delivered in March 2008 or earlier than the original schedule in May 2008 because the first vessel`s keel laying was also done earlier than initially planned.