JAKARTA - The government continues to boost the capacity of the shipbuilding industry to support the fishery sector and drive national economic growth.
“I ask that the shipbuilding industry be strengthened and its capacity increased in order to support the fishery industry,” said President Joko Widodo in a video conference at the Merdeka Palace, Thursday (19/3).
In response to Mr Widodo’s direction, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the number of shipyards in Indonesia has increased to over 250 companies with a capacity of 1 million deadweight tonnage (DWT) per year for new vessels and up to 12 million DWT for vessel repair.
“Going forward, we hope the production capacity for new vessels and vessel repair can be increased further,” said Mr Kartasasmita.
The Ministry of Industry, said Mr Kartasasmita, will remain in coordination with all related stakeholders to encourage the development of the shipyard industry through various strategic programmes and policies. He added that the government’s efforts also need to be supported by a conducive investment climate.
“We continue to urge the increase of investment to drive the domestic shipyard industry and its utilisation so it can meet domestic and export demands,” said Mr Kartasasmita. (MS)