OOC2018 | Kerry Praises Indonesia for Its Achievement in Protecting the Ocean

Nusa Dua, InfoPublik - Former US Secretary of State and the initiator of the first Our Ocean Conference, John Kerry, praised Indonesia for focusing on protecting and preserving the oceans with its concerted efforts to eradicate illegal fishing, restore coral reefs and enforce international laws.

With the full support from President Joko Widodo, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti is stepping up the fights against illegal, unregistered and undocumented (IUU) fishing in Indonesian waters, he said.

Minister Susi has also focused on restoring the oceans and coral reefs and growing mangroves, he noted.

"Obviously Susi is not doing this without the support and encouragement from your President," Kerry told journalists after meeting with Susi on the sidelines of the conference on Monday.

Kerry said President Joko Widodo has done terrific job and leadership in improving the welfare of the Indonesian people, including those who work as fishermen and farmers.

"Indonesia is stepping up by working with fishermen, working to create protected marine areas," he said.

"The government has been very focused to improve the position of the people of the country. It takes time, but there are efforts to grow the economy, to work with farmers to create a sustainability, which actually creates more jobs and create added value to the products," Kerry pointed out.

When asked about the rampant illegal fishing around the world, he said there are thousands of fishing vessels on the oceans and on the high seas.

They are fishing illegally, using illegal methods, reflagging and using multiple flags. "They are destroying the livelihood of everybody," Kerry said.

Minister Susi described Kerry as the big supporter of Our Ocean Conference. She agreed with urgency to enforce the laws. The government continues to increase the efforts to protect the ocean. "The government is very committed to preserve our ocean," Sudi said.