In order to learn more about Indonesia’s economic potential, retrieve highlights of reasons on why you should strongly consider investing in the Indonesian archipelago — available in English and Italian. Below are quick descriptions of brochure’s content.

Invest in Indonesia:
I. Solid economic fundamentals
II. Investment grade
III. Political stability
IV. Largest market & industrial base in South East Asia
V. Prominent regional and global player
VI. Better climate for business
VII. Plentiful potentials

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Investire in Indonesia:
I. Solide basi economiche
II. Classifica degli investimenti
III. Stabilità politica
IV. Maggiore mercato e base industriale nel Sud-Est Asiatico
V. Protagonista regionale e globale di rilievo
VI. Clima più propizio per gli affari
VII. Abbondanza di potenziale

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You are able to fetch the most recent copies of the Indonesian Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Review dated February 2010, January 2010, and November 2009. Below are quick descriptions of the content of each document.

Table of Contents (February 2010 edition)

I. Monetary Policy Statement

II. The Economy and Monetary Policy

• Developments in World Economy
• Economic growth in Indonesia
• Inflation
• Rupiah Exchange Rate
• Interest Rates
• Deposits, Credits, and Money Supply
• Stock Market
• SUN (Government’s Bond) Market
• Mutual Fund Market
• Banking Conditions

III. Monetary Policy Response

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Highlights (January 2010 edition)

As 2009 drew to a close, various economic indicators pointed to ongoing improvement in macroeconomic conditions in Indonesia. The overall condition of the global economy and financial markets has followed a positive trend. In developed countries, the economic recovery process is moving forward. At home, the improvement in the global economy has strengthened exports and investment. Domestic economic resilience has been coupled with reductions in inflationary pressure.

The balance of payments posted a surplus, contributing to the appreciation in the rupiah. With conditions improving in trading partner economies, exports are estimated to have mounted higher in Q4/2009. Imports growth is estimated higher in Q4/2009 in response to mounting domestic and external demand. Sectoral performance is also estimated higher in Q4/2009 from the effect of stronger external demand and stable demand at home.

In the financial sector, stability was maintained in the banking system. However, lending rates did not ease as expected. Looking forward, the outlook is for further improvement in the Indonesian economy, although various risks and uncertainties call for vigilance. In view of these problems and challenges, the Bank Indonesia monetary policy for achieving the 5±1% inflation target in 2010 will be backed by a series of policy actions.

On 6 January 2010, the Bank Indonesia Board of Governors Meeting decided to hold the BI Rate at 6.5%. Like before, the interest rate corridor is set at about +/-50 bps of the BI Rate, with the repo rate at 7% and the short-term deposit facility (FASBI) at 6%. In the key decisions underlying this decision, the BI Rate level remains consistent with the 5% ±1% inflation target for 2010 and the present monetary policy stance is also regarded conducive to the economic recovery process and the operation of the bank intermediation function. On the micro level, conditions in the national banking system remain stable.

Overall conditions in the world economy and global financial markets have seen steady improvement. Economies in advanced nations continue to march towards recovery. The US economy is on the mend, buoyed by stronger consumption and the improving condition of the labour market. Production sectors have begun to climb in the USA. The downward trend in the US dollar and keen risk appetite among investors has led to steady gains on global financial markets.

In 2009, the Indonesian economy grew by an estimated 4.3%. On the supply side, the world economic slowdown has impacted performance in tradable sectors, while non-tradable sectors continued to forge ahead. Indonesia’s economic growth in Q4/2009 is estimated higher in line with the ongoing improvement in global and domestic economic conditions.

Household consumption maintained comparatively robust growth in estimates for Q4/2009. Investment (gross fixed capital formation) charted higher estimated growth in Q4/2009 in line with strengthening external and domestic demand.

The ongoing recovery in the economy did not result in significant inflationary pressure during Q4/2009. World inflation in 2009 is estimated similar to one month earlier, due to the effects of the ongoing recovery in the world economy. The policy rates in most advanced nations reflect an accommodating stance. CPI inflation in 2009 was down sharply from the preceding year, mainly in response to non-fundamentals.

Analysed by influencing factors, the reduced inflation during Q4/2009 is explained primarily by non-fundamentals. Analysed by expenditure category, the decline in inflationary pressure during the quarter resulted from lower pressure across almost all expenditure categories, with the steepest decline recorded in food stuffs. Measured quarterly, administered prices inflation came to 0.69%, up from the previous quarter’s level of 0.61% (qtq). Inflationary pressure in volatile foods eased from the preceding quarter in response to secure supply conditions and the moderate level of global food stuff prices.

Throughout 2009, the rupiah maintained an appreciating trend in response to the onset of recovery in the global economy and improved risk appetite among global investors. The exchange rate held generally stable during December 2009 as reflected in reduced volatility, despite modest depreciation. General perceptions of investment risk in Indonesia remained comparatively favourable.

Yields on rupiah investments remained high in comparison to other countries in Asia. During 2009, Bank Indonesia adopted a loose bias monetary policy stance commensurate with the decline in inflationary pressure. The reductions in the BI Rate transmitted smoothly to short-term interest rates. Transmission of short-term rates was matched by healthy transmission of the monetary policy stance to interbank rates in longer tenors.

Money market liquidity became more evenly distributed as a result of softening perceptions of money market risk.

Transmission of monetary policy transmission to bank deposit rates also showed improvement. As regards lending rates, monetary policy transmission remained slow, particularly for consumption credit. The year 2009 was marked by steady growth in depositor funds.

In the credit channel, monetary policy transmission was again hampered by the slow pace of domestic economic growth and high loan interest rates. The slowing economic growth trend was reflected in similarly slack growth in M1. The loose bias monetary policy during 2009 has boosted asset prices with gains reflected in the JSX Composite Index (JCI).

Trading volume on the domestic stock market remained stable during 2009. On the government securities market, monetary policy transmission was reflected in lower yields with varying magnitude of decline by tenor. In similar developments, renewed foreign investor confidence boosted liquidity on the government securities market.

Table of Contents (January 2010 edition)

I. Monetary Policy Statement
II. The Economy and Monetary Policy

1. Developments in the World Economy
2. Economy Growth in Indonesia
3. Inflation
4. Rupiah Exchange Rate
5. Monetary Policy

• Interest Rates
• Funds, Credit, and the Money Supply
• The Stock Market
• The Government Securities Market
• Mutual Funds Market
• Condition of the Banking System

III. Monetary Policy Response

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Abstract (November 2009 edition)

The Indonesian economy showed further improvement in October 2009 alongside the ongoing recovery in the global economy. Positive developments continue on global financial markets in line with the ongoing economic recovery and stable perceptions among money market actors. At home, the various developments in the global economy have provided a boost to Indonesia’s economic performance.

Concerning prices, inflation eased further in October 2009 while staying below the historical trend. The ongoing improvement in exports and capital inflows augurs for strengthened performance in Indonesia’s Q4/2009 balance of payments, again projected to chart a surplus.

In the domestic financial sector, financial markets reported overall gains. Conditions in the banking system also reflect ongoing stability at the micro level.

On 4 November 2009, the Bank Indonesia Board of Governors Meeting decided to hold the BI Rate at 6.5%. The key considerations in this decision are that the 6.5% rate is consistent with the 5% ± 1% inflation target for 2010 and the present monetary policy stance is also regarded as conducive to economic recovery process and banking intermediation.

Table of Contents (November 2009 edition)

I. Monetary Policy Statement
II. The Economy and Monetary Policy

1. Developments in the World Economy
2. Economy Growth in Indonesia
3. Inflation
4. Rupiah Exchange Rate
5. Monetary Policy

• Interest Rates
• Funds, Credit, and the Money Supply
• The Capital Market
• Condition of the Banking System

III. Monetary Policy Response

Sights from the IFFINA 2009.

IFFINA – The 3rd International Furniture and Craft Fair Indonesia, now stepping ahead with a big improvement, getting better and more attractive. IFFINA as one of the biggest furniture exhibition in Indonesia, for the third time will present you the utmost quality of wide range Indonesia’s furniture and handicraft products.

IFFINA 2010 is the answer of today’s chalenging market for furniture business and industries. The One Stop Buying Center offering with Quality and Uniqueness. IFFINA 2010 includes wide selections of furniture and handycraft product, Household and Accessories, Materials of Furniture. All come with the best quality you’ve ever found. The last show held in 2009 had been enormous success bringing about 260 furmiture procedure with thousands of profeesional buyers.

For more information about IFFINA 2010, you are invited to the IFFINA 2010 website http://www.iffina-indonesia.com/2010/content.php.

You can also obtain IFFINA 2010 brochure English or in Italian.

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You are able to fetch the most recent presentations on the Indonesian Central Bank’s Recent Economic Developments dated February 2010, January 2010, and dated December 2009. The February 2010 full edition comes with a section on Economic Outlook for 2010. Below is a quick description of the content of each document.

Preview (February 2010 edition)

Indonesia’s economy has posted robust growth in 2008 and one of the rare countries which successfully posted a positive growth rate in 2009, navigating through the global financial turmoil and economic slowdown. For the whole 2009, the economy charted fairly vigorous growth at 4.5% (yoy) and it is projected at 5.5% in 2010

• Banking industry is in stable condition with high level of CAR (17.4%) and comfortably safe level of NPL (gross) at a 3.8% (as of December 2009 data).
• By end of the Q4-2009, Indonesia ’s overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$4.0 billion larger than a surplus of US$3.5 billion in the preceding quarter, resulted from surpluses in both the current account as well as the capital and financial account.
• International reserves reached to USD69.5 billion as of end of January 2010, equivalent to about 6.8 months of imports and official external debt payment.
• In 2009, Rupiah has been showing an appreciation trend, mainly supported by continuing of global economic recovery and positive economic performance which outperformed regional economies. Rupiah strengthened from IDR 10,950 against USD as on December 31, 2008 to IDR 9,400 against USD as on December 31, 2009, representing 16.5% appreciation .
• Monetary relaxation during 2009 has provided ample support for the economic recovery and bank intermediation processes. At the latest Board of Governors Meeting convened in January 2010, The BI ratedecided to be kept at 6.50% after concluding the present level of the BI Rate is consistent with achievement of the 2010 inflation target, set at 5%±1%. In the balance of risk, the probability of renewed inflationary pressure is low, at least during the first half of 2010. The BI Rate is also seen as favorable to boost economic recovery, maintain financial system stability and promote the banking intermediation function.
• The Indonesian economy in 2009 has charted remarkably low inflation. In 2009, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded annual inflation at 2.8% (yoy). Inflationary pressure has eased in response to the government decision to lower fuel prices at the beginning of the year, external factors of lower trading partner inflation, appreciation of the exchange rate, and better public expectations on inflation. In January 2010, monthly inflation arrived at 0,84% (mtm) or 3,58% (yoy), slightly higher than the previous month. Inflation in January 2010 was driven mainly by volatile food, especially rice. However, we are confident Inflation in 2010 will stay within the target range of 5%±1%.
• With the fiscal deficit target of 1.6% of GDP in 2010, Government continues to maintain the balancing act to support the recovery and to anticipate the global growth momentum going forward by improving public infrastructure and energy. In the medium term, fiscal policy is directed toward maintaining fiscal consolidation while at the same time sustaining fiscal stimulus. We expect to see fiscal deficit move on a downward trend. On the revenue side, tax ratio is expected to pick up.

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Synopsis (February 2010 full edition)

Performance of the Indonesian economy continues to show improvement in line with better economic conditions and global financial markets. In 2009 Indonesia was able to post a positive growth at 4.5% (yoy). This level of growth was relatively high compare to neighbouring countries.

The Indonesian economy has resumed a phase of accelerating economic growth. The indicators suggest that growth passed through a trough in Q2/2009 at 4.0% before picking up in the subsequent quarters. With the upbeat outlook for an accelerating economic growth trend, we expect to see improved growth of 5.0-5.5% (yoy) in 2010.

Table of Contents (February 2010 full edition)

• Recent Economic Development
• Economic Outlook 2010
• Risk Factors
• Macroeconomic Outlook

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Table of Contents (January 2010 edition)

(i) Indonesia Story: as Acknowledge by Rating Agencies

(ii) Positive Macroeconomic Developments

• Real Sector: Indonesia Development Policy
• Fiscal Policy Overview 2009 and 2010
• Economic Growth Sustained
• Banking Stability
• Stable and Profitable Banking Sector
• Strong Balance of Payments Performance
• Flexible monetary policy to support growth objectives
• Inflation Expectation
• In 2010, Indonesian economy is positioned to grow beyond original forecasts

Preview (January 2010 edition)

Indonesia’s economy has posted robust growth in 2008 and one of the rare countries which successfully posted a positive growth rate in 2009, navigating through the global financial turmoil and economic slowdown. GDP growth, in excess of 6% in 2008, reached 4.2% for the first nine months of 2009. In preliminary figures for 2009, the economy charted fairly vigorous grow that 4.3% (yoy) and it is projected at 5.5% in 2010.

Banking industry is in stable condition with high level of CAR (17%) and comfortably safe level of NPL(gross) at a subdued level below 5% (latest data as of November 2009).

By end of the Q3-2009, Indonesia’s overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$3.5billion (Q2-2009: US$1.1billion), resulted from surpluses in both the current account as well as the capital and financial account.

International reserves reached USD66.0 billion as of end of December 2009, equivalent to about 6.58 months of imports and official external debt payment.

In 2009, Rupiah has been showing an appreciation trend, mainly supported by continuing of global economic recovery and positive economic performance which outperformed regional economies. Rupiah strengthened from IDR 10,950 against USD as on December 31, 2008 to IDR 9,400 against USD as on December 31, 2009, representing 16.5% appreciation .

The monetary relaxation during 2009 has provided ample support for the economic recovery and bank intermediation processes. At the latest Board of Governors Meeting convened in January 2010, The BI ratedecided to be kept at 6.50% after concluding the present level of the BI Rate is consistent with achievement of the 2010 inflation target, set at 5%±1%. In the balance of risk, there are little likelihood of renewed inflationary pressure, at least during the first half of 2010. The BI Rate is also seen as conducive to efforts to boost economic recovery, maintain financial system stability and promote the banking intermediation function.

The Indonesian economy in 2009 has charted remarkably low inflation. In 2009, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded annual inflation at 2.8% (yoy). Inflationary pressure has eased in response to the government decision to lower fuel prices at the beginning of the year, external factors of lower trading partner inflation, appreciation in the exchange rate and softening public expectations of inflation.

With the target of fiscal deficit 1.6% of GDP in 2010 Budget, fiscal policy is taking into account the need to stimulate the economy and will continue at a slower pace in 2010. Tax policy reform continues with lower tariff and higher compliance.

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Table of Contents (December 2009 edition)

1. Macroeconomic Highlights

• Response to the Crisis: Monetary and Banking
• Real Sector: Indonesia Development Policy
  Response to the Crisis: Fiscal
• Indonesia Story: as acknowledged by Rating Agencies
• Economic Growth Sustained
• Banking Stability
• Strong Balance of Payments Performance
• Inflation has been Trending Downward
• Inflation Expectation
• Exchange Rate: Strengthened and more stable through 2009
• Improved Confidence in the Equity Market
• Performance of the Global Bond Has Been Significantly Improved
• In 2010, the Indonesian Economy is Positioned to grow beyond original forecasts

2. Bank Indonesia Monetary Policy
3. Bank Indonesia Banking Policy
4. Balance of Payments Performance Q3 2009
5. State Budget
6. Debt Management and Debt Profile

Preview (December 2009 edition)

• Indonesia was named the region most active business reformer in East Asia and the Pacific according to Doing Business Index 2010 surveyed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Indonesia’s rank in the index moved up from 129 to 122.
• Indonesia’s rank in The Global Competitive Index (GCI) 2009-2010 moved up from 55 to 54 (score 4.26) which is the third consecutive rank increase since 2007. The increase mainly supported from business establishment factor and innovation factor.
• Indonesia has been one of the few countries leading the economic recovery, with a resilient growth over the last 2 years. One of the rare countries which successfully posted a positive growth rate in 2009, the third fastest growing economy in the G-20. Even during the worst of the global economic slow down, the economy was still able to generate a positive growth of 4.4% in Q1-2009, 4.0% in Q2-2009, and 4.2% in Q3-2009. For overall 2009 we expect to record growth within the range of 4-4.5%.
• Banking industry has stayed resilient with high level of CAR (17.6%) and NPL (gross) at a subdued level of 4.3% and net at 1.2% (latest data as of October 2009).
• By end of the Q3-2009, Indonesia’s overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$3.5 billion (Q2-2009: US$ 1.1 billion), resulted from surpluses in both the current account as well as the capital and financial account.
• International reserves reached US$ 66.85 billion as of end of November 2009, equivalent to about 6.5 months of imports and official debt service payments.
• The Rupiah exchange rates have been showing an appreciation trend, mainly supported continuing of global economic recovery and domestic economic performance. During Q4-2009 (up to end of November) Rupiah appreciated from 5.3% to Rp9,463 against USD. Rupiah continues appreciated to Rp9,436 against USD as per December 4^th, 2009.
• Up to end of November 2009, the CPI recorded 0.03% deflation (m-t-m) alongside annual inflation at 2.4% (y-o-y). Accordingly, potential inflation in 2009 to come below the BI inflation target set at 4.5% ±1.
• The latest monthly Board of Governors’ Meeting convened in December 2009 decided to leave BI Rate unchanged at 6,50%, which is considered adequate to the economic recovery process.
• Fiscal policy is taking into account the need to stimulate the economy and will continue at as lower pace in 2010. Tax policy reform continues with lower tariff and higher compliance.
• 2010 Budged provides fiscal space to implement priority programs of the government.
• Going forward, dramatic slow in world economy pose significant challenges to the economy in 2009.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF OIL AND GAS
(Regulation of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 35/2008)

ANNOUNCEMENT
2nd PETROLEUM BIDDING ROUND YEAR 2009

Directorate General of Oil and Gas (MIGAS) releases 24 acreages for tender in the 2nd Petroleum Bidding Round Year 2009, and hereby invites interested companies with sufficient financial and technical capabilities to participate in the regular tender and direct proposal tender.

Followings are 12 blocks being offered in reglar tender mechanism:

1. South Eas Andaman, Offshore North Sumatra
2. Tarakan I, Offshore East Kalimantan
3. Tarakan II, Offshore East Kalimantan
4. Tarakan III, Offshore East Kalimantan
5. North Masela, Offshore Arafura
6. West Berau, Offshore West Papua
7. East Manokwari, Cenderawasih Bay – West Papua
8. Cenderawasih Bay I, Cenderawasih Bay – West Papua
9. Cendrawasih Bay II, Cenderawasih Bay – Papua
10. Cendrawasih Bay III, Cendrawasih  Bay – Papua
11. Cendrawasih Bay IV, Cendrawasih Bay – Papua
12. East Aru, Offshore Arafura – Papua

Additionally, based on the joint study which has been done between MIGAS and several companies, 12 blocks also being offered in the direct proposal tender mechanism, they are:

1. Puri, Onshore Riau
2. Sakakemang, Onshore South Sumatra
3. Selar, Offshore East Natuna
4. Sunda Strait I, Offshore West Java
5. North Madura, Offshore East Java
6. Karapan, Offshore East Java
7. Mandala, Offshore East Java
8. Long Hubung-Long Bagun, Onshore East Kalimantan
9. Malunda, Makasar Strait
10. Sadang, Makasar Strait
11. South Mandar, Makasar Strait
12. South Sageri, Makasar Strait

Interested companies are invited to participate and access Bid Document (one Bid Document corresponds to 1 [one] block) issued by MIGAS and must follow the procedures, terms and conditions stated in the Bid Document.

Accessing for regular tender’s  Bid Document shall b e made not later than 23 April 2010, whereas accessing for direct proposal tender’s Bid Document shall be made not later than 9 February 2010.

Interested companies which consider being qualified and capable as required in this tender qualification and intend to participate in the tender shall submit their Participating Document on 26 April 2010 (for regular tender) and on 10 February 2010 (for direct proposal tender) between 09:30 – 14:30 hours (+7 GMT) to this following address:

Sekretariat Tim Penawaran Wilayah Kerja Minyak dan Gas Bumi / Ruang Pelayanan Investasi Migas
Direktorat Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi
Departemen Energi dan Sumer Daya Mineral
Gedung Plaza Centris Lantai 1,
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. B-5, Jakarta Selatan 12910.
www.migas.esdm.go.id
www.wkmigas.com

For further information regarding to this Tender, please contact:
Tim Penawaran Wilayah Kerja Minyak dan Gas Bumi
Direktorat Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi
Phone: 021-5268910 ext. 132, 135, 136, 137.

Republic of Indonesia INVESTOR RELATIONS UNIT

INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL

The Indonesian Investor Relations Unit will host a conference call to present the salient points of The Indonesian Economic Performance in 2009 and its Outlook for 2010.

The speakers will be:

• Deputy Governor Budi Mulya — Bank of Indonesia

• Dr. Anggito Abimanyu — Head of Fiscal Policy Office of the Ministry of Finance

• Dr. Rahmat Waluyanto — Director General of Debt Management – Ministry of Finance

Timing: Tuesday, 8 December 2009

(A Replay of the call will be made available for 30 days starting 2 hours after the call end.)

Live scheduled at: 16.00 Jakarta time / 17.00 Hong-Kong Time / 10.00 London Time / 11.00 Paris Time

A Question and Answer session will follow the live presentation.

To listen to the live conference call, please dial:

France: 0 800 917 625

Germany: 0 800 182 5453

Hong Kong: 800 901 587

Indonesia: 001 803 061 31022

Japan: 0053 1250 084

United Kingdom: 0 808 234 8407

Singapore: 800 6163 105

Dialing long distance or with no International toll free access: +62=1 2 8113 1400

Confirmation Code: 2509276

(Please Start your Connection a Few Minutes in Advance)

In order to listen to the replay, for domestic and international calls please dial:

France: 0 800 90 5349

Germany: 0 800 1818 874

Hong Kong: +852 3018 0000

Indonesia: 001 803 852 7487

Japan: 00531 850 110

United Kingdom: 0 800 015 4960

Singapore: 800 852 3532

Replay Passcode: 2509276

If you have any question or comments, please contact:

Elysa Chani at +62 (21) 381-8316 or Dyah Miranti at +62(21) 381-8298

E-mail:  elsya_chani@bi.go.id or dyah_mw@bi.go.id

• Obbiettivodi Crescita 2004 – 2009 : 6.6 % (Media)

• Investimenti Richiesti: USD 426 Miliardi
  Contributi Governativi : USD 68.43 Miliardi (17%)
  Contributi Privati : USD 358 Miliardi

• Obbiettivo per la Disoccupazione 2009 : 5.5 %

• Obbiettivo per la Soglia di povertà: 17 Milioni di Persone

Indonesian culinary expert William Wongso brought the long-simmering beef curry and other dishes including  smoked meat from  East Nusa Tenggara to the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) expo in Berlin, Germany.

“It will help make Indonesian food famous and prevent Indonesian food from  being claimed by other countries,” he told Metro TV.

William wants to make rendang Indonesia’s signature dish overseas. Since January he has promoted it from the Netherlands to Australia. Every Indonesian ambassador, he said, should have a standardized recipe for it and popularize it in his or her host country.

He said many food fans at the expo wanted to learn how to cook rendang.

Culinary expert Bondan Winarno defined rendang as beef curry simmered until the meat has soaked up all the sauce and become caramelized.

“The word caramelized must be stressed. Unless it is caramelized  it cannot be called rendang. Half-cooked rendang is called kalio,” he told the Jakarta Globe.

“My favorite beef rendang is from Bukittinggi, with small potatoes added in the last hour of cooking,” he added.

Source: The Jakarta Globe – 15 March 2010
Photo: The Jakarta Globe

Ambon.

Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu said here on Monday that the upcoming international marine event would be the entry point for the province to knit a win-win cooperation with neighbor countries such as Australia, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

“I have just returned from Australia and Papua New Guinea to accompany President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his state visit to the two countries,” Governor Ralahalu said.

The governor said that during the visit, Sail Banda event got positive support from the Australian and Papua New Guinean leaders when President Yudhoyono explained it to them in a dialog.

Ralahalu said Sail Banda 2010, scheduled for July to August this year, would be an event to improve the welfare of local people and to create peaceful and free-conflict zones in the province in the future.

Various kinds of international activities will coincide with Sail Banda event which is to be attended by hundreds, even thousands of experts and scientists from many countries.

Governor Ralahalu admitted that in his visit to Australia to accompany President Yudhoyono, he did not have time to explain Sail Banda directly to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, but in a diplomatic talks between Yudhoyono and Rudd, it was mentioned and would be discussed further.

“I did not have time to discuss Sail Banda with the Australian prime minister but I did with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, and the PNG leader promised to visit Maluku next August. I also reported it to President Yudhoyono and the president has as well officially invited Somare to visit Maluku during the Sail Banda event,” Ralahalu said.

He said the PNG prime minister was glad to meet with the governors from eastern Indonesia and promised to visit Maluku and other provinces in eastern Indonesia later.
Ralahalu said various international agenda would be discussed in conjunction with Sail Band 2010.

Therefore, the governor called on all public elements in Maluku to fully support the success of Sail Banda 2010.

“We have to be a good host for such an international marine event and to make it a success, because it will have a positive impact on the glory of Maluku in the international eyes,” Governor Ralahalau said.

Source: Antara News – 15 March 2010