New Chairman for CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat

His Excellency Sharief C. Sutardjo, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, has appointed Prof. Dr. Ir. Sjarief Widjaja, Ph.D., FRINA, Secretary General of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, as the new Chairman of the CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS), effective January 17, 2014. After more than three years serving as IRS Chairman, his predecessor, Dr. Sudirman Saad, is moving on to assume new responsibilities.

Dr. Saad noted that Prof. Sjarief Widjaja is a highly experienced professional who brings effective leadership, excellent management skills, deep knowledge of CTI-CFF, and a warm, friendly personality. "I have no doubt that he will excel in performing his new role as IRS Chairman. Please join me in congratulating Prof. Sjarief Widjaja on his new position," Dr. Saad wrote in an introduction letter to CTI-CFF stakeholders and partners.

Dr. Saad will continue to be part of the CTI-CFF family as he assumes the role of Executive Secretary of Indonesia's CTI-CFF National Coordinating Committee (NCC), a position previously held by Dr. Victor Nikijuluw.

"I feel very fortunate and grateful because my predecessor, Dr. Victor Nikijuluw, laid a strong foundation of productive achievements for the Indonesia NCC to grow and actively operate as a CTI-CFF member. I especially appreciate his positive attitude, high energy, and kind character," Dr. Saad added.

In his letter, Dr. Saad further thanked colleagues and partners for their support during his tenure as CTI-CFF IRS Chair. "The opportunities you gave me to work with you were memorable experiences, bringing joy and satisfaction throughout my tenure at CTI-CFF IRS. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement you provided. It has been a pleasure working with all of you," he concluded.