Kotabaru in zoning area of Makassar Straits's inter-region

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Kotabaru District in South Kalimantan is included in the zoning area of Makassar Straits's inter-region. This will have a positive impact for 20 years  (2020–2039) in increasing economic growth of the region, said an official.

The zoning, said the Kotabaru Administration's Assistant for Economy and Development H Akhmad Rivai, plays a role as an operational tool for marine spatial planning, as well as means of coordinating and synchronizing development program in the area of Makassar Straits.

"The aim, among others, is to realize a center of marine growth that is effective, competitive, and environmentally friendly," he said here, Monday.

As well as effective and efficient marine infrastructure and facilities network, sustainable fisheries areas, and areas for oil and gas business activities.

Defense and security areas that have integrated capabilities and performance; conservation areas to support the carrying capacity of the marine environment, as well as the preservation of biodiversity.

In addition, Rivai continued, it is to realize marine tourism destination that is competitive, globally oriented, and to encourage economic growth. Shipping lanes that support the smoothing running of transportation, the arrangement of pipelines, and or submarine cables.

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To protect the migration of marine biota; and the Certain National Strategic Areas (KSNT) related to defense and security and environment control that is effective, competitive, and sustainable.

Meanwhile, about 2016 the Kotabaru District Government, had also coordinated with the Secretariat of the National Council for Special Zone related to the Mekar Putih Special Economic Zone (KEK) on Pulau Laut Barat.

The district government hopes that Mekar Putih will be a potential area to be developed as an industrial area, or the economic and marine center for the reason that Kotabaru has abundant natural resources, and has not been fully exploited for the welfare of the local people.

The determination of Mekar Putih to be an SEZ or KEK will accelerate the wheels of the economy in Kotabaru, especially in its surrounding areas.
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