SHIP OWNERS OPEN TO SUPPORTING MARITIME PROGRAMS

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 21 (Antara) - As government partners, ship operators in the Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) are expected to boost tourism development and help achieve the government's goal of turning the country into a global maritime axis.          INSA, which held its 16th General Meeting (RUA INSA) on August 20 and 21, is expected to play an important role as the government's strategic partner in the maritime, sea communications and national shipping business sectors.          "INSA must utilize professionally the full support offered by the Transportation Minister," Jay Singgih, vice president of Bumi Laut Group of INSA, said during the meeting on Thursday.          He was referring to the Transportation Minister calling on ship owners to help the government develop marine tourism in Indonesia.          The meeting, which was chaired by Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan on Thursday, was based on the theme: "INSA as the Belt of the Archipelago toward World's Maritime Axis."