FOREIGN INVESTORS WISH TO DEVELOP NORTH MALUKU SMALL ISLANDS

Ternate, N Maluku, Sept 13 (ANTARA) - Many foreign investors are interested in the development of North Maluku's small islands into resort or maritime tourist destinations.

"We received information that many foreign investors, like Dutch investor who came to North Maluku seeking for small islands that can be developed into maritime tourist resorts," member of the North Maluku legislative council Rasyid Musa said here Sunday.

The hundreds of small islands are located in South Halmahera regency.

The foreign investors would need the approval and support of the local administration and those of other related institutions.

The local administration needs to facilitate them, especially in the issuance of permits, because tourism could make a positive contribution for the region.

But, the local administration refused to sell the small islands to the investors, even at millions of US dollars, like what had happened to some other small Indonesian islands.

In the meantime, the foreign investors in North Maluku small islands must be monitored, because the presence may trigger conflicts with local fishermen.

Meanwhile, South Halmahera Tourism Office chief, Amirrudin said that there are several foreign investors in his region, including a Dutch investor who is trying to build a maritime tourist resort.

The Dutch investor has surveyed several South Halmahera small islands for the project.

"They are still surveying other South Halmahera islands seeking for better locations for their project. The local administration welcomes their good intention" he said