SCIENCE FELLOW PROGRAM STRENGTHENS MARINE COOPERATION WITH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 001492 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES AND EAP COMMERCE FOR NOAA USAID FOR ANE, EGAT BANGKOK FOR RDM/A NSC FOR CEQ CONNAUGHTON, VAN DYKE, KUSKA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID KGHG SENV PGOV ID SUBJECT: SCIENCE FELLOW PROGRAM STRENGTHENS MARINE COOPERATION WITH INDONESIA REF: A. JAKARTA 1483 ¶B. JAKARTA 1289 ¶1. (U) Summary: The Embassy Science Fellow program has been a valuable asset for Post, providing insight into the priorities of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP),and showing that DKP is open to advice about on how to make its organization more effective. Minister Numberi has committed to take specific steps based on Science Fellow's recommendations, including restructuring the management of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) in order to strengthen the planning and implementation of a national CTI program. Embassy Science Fellow explored ways in which to achieve the goals of the MOU between DKP and NOAA, an important vehicle for advancing our bilateral cooperation. Using the World Ocean Conference (May 2009) as a vehicle to engage DKP could further enhance the benefits of our collaboration. End Summary. NOAA-DKP MOU an Important Vehicle for Moving Forward ¶2. (U) NOAA Embassy Science Fellow Dr. Mary Baker recently met with Minister Freddy Numberi and officials of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) -- including Widi Agoes Pratikto (Secretary General) and Dr. Sunggul Sinaga (Director for International Cooperation). She reviewed and discussed recommendations for achieving the goals of the MOU signed by DKP and NOAA in September 2007. These recommendations were derived during six weeks of extensive discussions with managers and staff at DKP to evaluate their priorities, plans, and ongoing programs. ¶3. (U) During discussions, it clearly emerged that decentralization of authority from the national to the provincial and district level has created challenges for DKP. Coastal communities are pressured by increased food and fuel prices, and by effects caused by global climate change (Ref B). Discussions with Directors-General and staff identified several priorities for implementation of the MOU and continued partnership with NOAA (Ref A). Capacity building, training, and educational exchanges are priorities for all parts of DKP, and are specifically mentioned in the MOU. Other issues raised by DKP staff included: -- Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI): DKP is providing international leadership of the CTI by hosting the regional secretariat. There is no separate organization to develop and implement a national CTI program, which must be developed before May 2009 when implementation of the initiative begins. This may leave the impression that the program is not fully supported. -- The Sea Partnership Program (SPP) is specifically mentioned in Law 27/2007 on Coastal Zone and Small Islands Management as an implementation arm for the Ministry. However, its mission and goals remain somewhat unfocused, and the program is lack in project funding. The private sector has not been engaged nationally. DKP Open and Responsive to USG Suggestions ¶4. (U) In response to these issues, Dr. Baker recommended elevating management of CTI and the Sea Partnership program to the Secretary General level. This would give the programs a broader perspective, and would allow the Planning Bureau to make connections between needs and capacities, and to oversee projects that serve the interests of multiple Directorates Generals (DGs) and Bureaus. Dr. Baker also conveyed some specific recommendations to implement the CTI using the Sea Partnership Program and to clarify and strengthen the goals and implementation of the programs. ¶5. (U) Minister Numberi agreed to consider several specific actions to implement these recommendations. He reiterated the importance of demonstrating Indonesia's accomplishments under the Coral Triangle Initiative, and agreed to restructure management of the CTI within DKP. He will also identify DG-specific needs in capacity building and for program integration, and will create a strategic plan for DKP for 2010 and beyond. Minister Numberi expressed his desire for transparency and accountability in implementing CTI activities in Indonesia, and looks forward to a productive relationship with NOAA, USAID, and the rest of the USG. JAKARTA 00001492 002 OF 002 Science Fellow Program Furthers US-Indonesia Collaboration ¶6. (U) NOAA will be developing next steps to support the MOU, based on Dr. Baker's work. This would include assigning points of contact, creating NOAA working groups to work with the Ministry to focus further partnership, and determine whether a further implementation agreement will be developed. NOAA's partnership will help inform DKP-USAID collaboration on CTI and other projects. USAID is committed to supporting the regional and national action plans under CTI. USAID's Regional mission in Bangkok is now in the process of procuring services from NGOs and contractors for up to $40 million to support CTI. ¶7. (U) Minister Numberi will also create a strategic plan for DKP for 2010 and beyond -- a process that USG assistance is facilitating. The USAID Jakarta Mission will provide the services of a well-qualified and -experienced team of people to perform a study for the institutional strengthening of DKP (Ref B). USAID has discussed this with the Secretary General, and it will be tailored to fit the mutually-agreed needs of DKP. HUME