CTI-CFF Appoints Indonesian Academic as First Secretariat Executive Director

Jakarta, Indonesia

At the same time as the six-member countries of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) confirmed the entry into force of the agreement on the establishment of its regional secretariat, the Committee of Senior Officials recommended to Council of Ministers the appointment of Prof. Dr. Widi Agoes Pratikto as the first ever Executive Director (ED) of its permanent Regional Secretariat.

The confirmation was made during the 10th CTI-CFF Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) which was held in Dili, Timor-Leste from November 5-7, 2014 and attended by senior government officials from CTI-CFF member countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste - as well as representatives from various development partner organizations and Brunei Darussalam who has expressed its interest to join this regional initiative.

Prof. Sjarief Widjaja, Chairman of the Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS) of the CTI CFF welcomes the recommendation of SOM on the appointment of Prof. Pratikto. He said “the appointment is a culmination of a rigorous selection process covering several months and with more than 20 highly qualified candidates applying for the position.” He added that by having a strong regional secretariat, CTI-CFF will be able to provide more benefits towards sustaining the marine resources of its member states.

During his acceptance speech, Prof. Dr. Pratikto thanked the CTI-CFF member countries for his appointment. He noted that he will work closely with all the member countries and partners to ensure a smooth transition phase from the interim secretariat to the permanent one. 

“I acknowledge the challenges in building up a strong and professional Regional Secretariat for the CTI CFF. I am convinced and have confidence, that by having the support from all CTI-CFF member states and having partnership and cooperation with CTI CFF partners, I will be able to carry on my duty and responsibilities,” Prof. Pratikto said.