The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (MENKOPOLHUKAM) and the Ministry for Ocean Affairs & Fisheries Director General of PPSKP hosted a top level meeting in Bogor with participants from 28 Ministries, Departments and other organization to discuss the supervision and enforcement of law to promote the utilization of small islands in Indonesia.

Un Suheri co-chairing the Bogor meeting with representatives of MENKOPOLHUKAM, BPN and PPSKP

There is great controvercy about the issue "Selling Islands to Foreigners" in Indonesia at the moment. This issue was raised in the National Parliament earlier this year after a French expatriate took a down-payment for the sale of "Siloinak Island" in South Siberut after he advertise for some months on www.privateislandsonline.com  

This advertising caused the media storm

The resort on Siloinak Island is not yet processed the licence for operation as covered by PERDA No. 16 - 2002, Kab. Kep. Mentawai.This French man is not a member of MMTA. He appear in local media recently because he reported his partner (who is a traditional land owner) to Mentawai Police. The landowner went to jail twice but has now been release.

This sale was attacked in the National Parliament and media and a high level investigation is going on now. (some delay because of earthquake). The MMTA members who advertise sale of shares in licenced resorts on the same Canadian website have been clear of any wrongdoing. It is illegal to sell or buy Indonesian sovereign territory in any way and islands near international borders are considered especially important for the integrity of national security. The investigation has become wider with illegal foreign use or exploitation of Indonesian resources the target.

The Foreign Flag boat can now operated in Indonesian water only if they provide a bank guarantee = to the value of the ship via their shipping agent with proof handed to Custom department. When the ship depart Indonesia again, the fund can be return. The foreign flag boats must comply by 1 December 2009. Any MMTA members who face this problem should contact to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

MMTA asks all member to advise their booking agent about this change for 2010 season and after that.

Regard

Nasdion Chalidi SH M.Kn

Legal Advisor MMTA

The ad placed in Singalang Newspaper spells "Marine" incorrectly. This was beyond our control and we would like to thank Mr Martin Daly for pointing out the spelling mistake to MMTA administration. We value contributions from our readers.

Congratulations Un! Anom Suheri has been elected to the new Mentawai Parliament and he was sworn in at a ceremony in Tua Pejat on Monday 31st of August. The new parliament will preside for the period 2009 till 2014. Roberthyl A. Saogo takes over as Chairman of the MMTA. Roberthyl is a Director of PT Bangun Toro Koat and he has represented the company at MMTA meetings for the past 12 months.

IR H. Zola Pandu has taken over the roll of Secretary from Bangun LH. Zola is the Director (Utama) of PT Mentawai Wisata Bahari and the Vice Chairman of the West Sumatran Organic Farmers Association (AFTA)

Both Un and Bangun retain their positions with KARDIN (The Inonesian Chamber of Commerce) 

Chairman of MMTA

• Roberthyl A. Saogo
  Director BTK
  Candidate for Member of Mentawai Parliament 2009
  

Ex Chairman of MMTA and active member

• Anom Suheri (Un)
  Director PT SKM (Kandui Resort)
  Head of the Tourism Division of the West Sumatran Chamber of Commerce (KADIN Sumbar)
  Member of Mentawai Parliament
  

Secretary of MMTA

• IR H. Zola Pandu 
  Director (Utama) PT MWB
  Vice Chairman of AFTA (Organic Farming Association) West Sumatra

Ex Secretary of MMTA and active member

• Bangun LH (Bangun)
  Bangun is Director of PT BTK (Pitojat Resort) and
  Head of the Mentawai Chamber of Commerce (KADIN Mentawai) 

Treasurer MMTA

• Meifriyanti (Yanti)
  Yanti is Director of PT BSM (Mentawai Ocean Resort)

Administration MMTA

• Ade Rahadian
  Ex Secretary of PHRI (Indonesian Hotels & Restaurant Association)
  Tel: 0751 9900169
  Fax: 0751 765010
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Chairman of the MMTA Advisory Board

• Nasdion Chalidi SH. Mkn (Nasdion)
  Nasdion is legal advisor to the MMTA
  Mobile Phone: +62 852 74639872
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Mentawai Marine Tourism Association