Malaysia and Indonesia Pave the Way for the Establishment of Permanent CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat

On January 20, 2012, Malaysia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Ongkili, made his first official visit to the Coral Triangle Initiative Interim Regional Secretariat in Jakarta as the newly elected Chairman of the Coral Triangle Initiative Council of Ministers (CTICOM). He was received by Dr. Sudirman Saad, Chairman of the Interim Regional Secretariat; Dr. Suseno Sukoyono, Executive Chair of the Interim Regional Secretariat; and Dr. Gellwynn Jusuf, Secretary General of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

During the meeting, Dr. Ongkili was briefed on the progress toward establishing a permanent Secretariat, as well as preparations for implementation actions outlined in the 2012 CTI-CFF Roadmap. He announced Malaysia’s commitment to sign the establishment document within six weeks and requested the Interim Secretariat provide a status report from the other member countries. This report will pave the way for the establishment of the permanent CTI-CFF Secretariat by the April 2012 deadline agreed upon by all Coral Triangle member countries at the 3rd CTI-CFF Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta in October 2011.

The meeting also discussed the roles and functions of the Secretariat in coordinating overall CTI-CFF activities and ensuring clear identification of those activities. Dr. Saad emphasized the importance of the Interim Secretariat establishing an effective communication and coordination mechanism among all stakeholders under the CTI-CFF banner to ensure a smooth transition to the permanent Secretariat, in time for the completion of the Regional Secretariat Office in Manado.

Dr. Ongkili highlighted that the CTI-CFF Secretariat, Coral Triangle countries, and partners must work diligently to achieve CTI-CFF goals in the upcoming months, in preparation for the proposed 2nd CTI-CFF Leaders Summit, which will be held in conjunction with the APEC Summit in 2013 in Indonesia.

Dr. Ongkili also held a breakfast meeting with his predecessor as CTICOM chairman, Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif Cicip Sutarjo. Both Ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in supporting the CTI-CFF and to conduct joint research in the marine and fisheries sectors.