REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Senior economist Soebroto believes that the exploitation of marine resources can boost the country's economic growth based on the government's target set at seven percent.

"We can achieve a seven percent economic growth if we exploit all our areas of potential, including marine resources. So far, our development has relied on the nation's land resources," Soebroto remarked during a discussion here on Thursday.

Soebroto was a speaker at the discussion organized by the National Industry and Economic Committee. He noted that Indonesia's marine resources had huge potential, but it had yet to be exploited to provide benefits to the people.

"Indonesia's 70 percent area comprises maritime territory. This area is yet to be exploited, although it has vast potential in sectors such as fisheries, mining, tourism, and transportation," he pointed out.

Soebroto, who was also former mining and energy minister during the New Order Government, stated that the government was already on the right path towards the nation's economic development as it had ministers who had prioritized the utilization of the country's marine potential.

He emphasized that the government needed to work with all stakeholders to realize its seven percent target, and it could not solely rely on the flagship sectors for development.

"By 2019, it is forecast to only reach a growth rate of some six or 6.5 percent. We hope to cooperate with all national leaders, politicians, businessmen, academicians, and members of the civil society to achieve higher economic growth," Soebroto added.

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