Seychelles and East Kalimantan Culture & Tourism Development Programme

Samarinda, December 18th 2013. The Governor of East Kalimantan, Awang Faroek Ishak, and Special Envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN, Nico Barito signed a letter of intent to jointly develop eco-tourism and culture programme with pilot project at Derawan Island, Kabupaten Beraeau in East Kalimantan. The signing took place on the occasion of the inauguration of Governor Awang Faroek's second term governorship 2013-2018. Kalimantan (Borneo) is the fourth largest island in the world. The entire island is rich in hardwood forests, oil, gas and mineral wealth. East Kalimantan population is just under 4 million (approx.1.5% of Indonesia). The province is the largest contributor to Indonesia's exports, with the third highest GDP per capita in the country. It is also the third most competitive province and the third highest destination for inward investment (an estimated USD5.9 billion in 2012). East Kalimantan is home of international oil & gas exploration, coal mining, plantation which result to the significant 5.69 % contribution of East Kalimantan to the national economy of Indonesia. Balikpapan City, the commercial hub of East Kalimantan is served with direct flights from Singapore, Malaysia and many cities throughout Indonesia. East Kalimantan has been good friend of Seychelles. In the development of its coastal zone within the Derawan islands, East Kalimantan wants to learn from Seychelles the eco-tourism model to be introduced to Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban Island at Bereau Regent. Seychelles and East Kalimantan will further conduct joint development plan and investment promotion to realize a reciprocal collaboration for the two countries. This will include sharing of best experiences on small islands eco-tourism focus on ecosystem management, green facilities & infrastructure, training and capacity building for the East Kalimantan official to adopt the blue economy in East Kalimantan, especially at the off coast small islands.