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  • 13 Mar 2013


Manado, February 11, 2013 – Two Indonesian ministers, Coordinating Minister for Welfare Affairs Agung Laksono and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutradjo, visited the new CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Building and CTI Center in Manado.

The building complex is in its final stage of construction and is already 98% complete. The ministers, who planted trees in the building's garden, were accompanied by Dr. Sudirman Saad, Chair of the Interim Regional Secretariat of CTI-CFF, along with relevant high-level government officials, local government representatives, NGOs, and invited guests.



Minister Sutradjo spoke on behalf of the Government of Indonesia and reiterated the country’s commitment to host the CTI-CFF and support coral reef conservation areas with the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Indonesia has invested USD 5.5 million in the construction of the 6,084 square meter center and allocated an additional 15,000 square meters of land for future expansion and supporting facilities.

The CTI Center is designed to serve as a hub for coordination, facilitation, and collaboration among the six CTI member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands—and CTI-CFF partners aligned with Indonesia’s initiatives. The center is located at the historic site where leaders of the six Coral Triangle countries met during the CTI Summit and World Ocean Conference in 2009.



“This initiative promotes cooperative efforts in managing coastal and marine environments and securing sustainable marine biodiversity across the CTI member states,” explained Minister Sutradjo.

Dr. Gellwynn Jusuf, Secretary General for the Ministry of Marine Affairs, said, “The Regional Secretariat building and CTI Center are part of Indonesia’s commitments made when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, together with five other Heads of State, issued the CTI-CFF Leaders’ Declaration in 2009.” The official inauguration by the President will be conducted once the Secretariat is fully staffed and operational.

Dr. Sudirman Saad, Chairman of the Interim Regional Secretariat, added, “This building will serve as the operational hub for achieving CTI program targets, while the CTI Center will host activities to protect and develop coral reefs, fisheries, coasts, and other marine resources. We hope the Secretariat can function as a global center of excellence for coastal and marine mega-biodiversity, serving as a focal point for knowledge and science. The building’s aquarium and exhibitions will showcase CTI’s coastal and marine biodiversity.”

“Effective coral reef management must be integrated to prevent degradation and disasters. Resource planning and management need to transcend administrative borders and sovereignty, requiring collective action and coordination among all six CTI countries,” added Dr. Saad. Approximately 120 million people depend on the region’s abundant fisheries resources for their livelihoods, highlighting the need for sustainable protection for future generations.

Photo Captions (Top to Bottom)

Upper Right: Dr. Gellwynn Jusuf (Secretary General, Ministry of Marine Affairs) briefing Coordinating Minister Agung Laksono and Minister Sharif C. Sutradjo in front of the building model. Accompanying them are Dr. Sudirman Saad (Chairman CTI-CFF IRS), Dr. Suseno (Executive Chair, CTI-CFF IRS), and Dr. Victor Nikijuluw (Executive Secretary, Indonesia NCC).

Middle Right: Minister Sharif C. Sutradjo planting a tree in the front yard of the building.

Lower Right: Coordinating Minister Agung Laksono and Minister Sharif C. Sutradjo inspecting the Gallery of Ornamental Fish exhibition on the second floor.

For further information, please contact:

M. Eko Rudianto, Chair for Coordination and External Affairs, CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat, mrudiant@yahoo.com, +62 811 8025 93
Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, Secretary for Coordination and External Affairs, CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat, hendrasiry@gmail.com, +62 812 9143 536