Antara News, Wednesday, April 14, 2010 17:59 WIB
Ambon (ANTARA News) - As Minister of Marine Affairs and Fishery Fadel Muhammaad has to attend a cabinet meeting and hearing with the House of Representatives in Jakarta on April 15, 2010, the launching of Sail Banda in Ambon will have to be postponed to April 16.
Sail Banda local committee coordinator Cak Saimima said in Ambon Wednesday that the postponement of the launching of the international event scheduled for inauguration by Fadel Muhammad had been coordinated with Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu who is in Jakarta to attend Maluku Invesment Day.
"Thus, following a directive from Maluku deputy governor Said Assagaff who is also Sail Banda local committee chief, intensive preparations still continued," he said.
Saimima said that following coordination with Sail Banda central committee, it has been decided the event will be launched at the world peace gong monument on April 15.
The technical hearing on fishery and the signing of the production contract scheduled on April 16, 2010, will be carried out from 4 pm to 5.30 pm local time.
With regard to the participants of Sail Banda , Saimima said at least 60 foreign boats had registered for the event.
"We have projected that at least 200 boats will be taking part in the international event and in three months the number of the participants may increase and hopefully the projection would be met," he said.
Saimima said the success of the highlights and post-Sail Banda activities hand been entrusted with the Maluku provincial administration including national and international seminars, celebration of Indonesian independence day in the extreme outer islands, sail boat rally, marine sports, cultural performances and tourist attractions, social activities, marine youth activities, and other activities which need to be adjusted to the situation and development taking place in Maluku.
Sail Banda will be held in Banda Neira, Central Maluku regency, Ambon city and Wornreli, capital of Southwest Maluku regency.
The event will be opened with a sailboat competition from Australia to Banda. In addition, the biggest hospital ship of the United States Navy USNS MERCY T-AH19 will also be there.
The 273 meters long ship with 956 medical personnel and doctors will serve Banda island an environment. Indonesia`s warship KRI dr Soeharso will assist the American vessel in providing medical services.
