REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RAJA AMPAT - Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono has said that preparations for the implementation of international maritime event Sail Raja Ampat have reached the final stage.

"All preparations have been completed, so the event could be implemented as scheduled," Minister Laksono said on Monday.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to attend the peak event of Sail Raja Ampat on August 23, 2014. The peak event will feature a yacht parade, which will be participated by several countries, and will be held in Waisai Torang Cinta Beach, in Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat District, West Papua Province.

Yudhoyono will also inaugurate a number of development projects in West Papua. The government has allocated 1.5 trillion IDR for development of infrastructure projects, such as constructions of an airport and piers, as well as hospitals in West Papua, over the last two years.

Australia and the United States have confirmed their participation in the Sail Raja Ampat, while other countries such as India, China, Thailand, and Singapore have expressed their interest in joining the maritime event, according to Brigadier General Gatot Triswanto, commander of the Jayapura Naval Fleet X.

The Sail Raja Ampat 2014, one of Sail Indonesia series organized by the Indonesian government, will kick off on August 17, coinciding with the Indonesian Independence Day. Sail Raja Ampat 2014 is an annual international event comprising sailing and other marine-oriented activities, while promoting coastal and maritime tourism.

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