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JAKARTA. The government aims to maintain Indonesia's position as the world's largest pearl producer by promoting the country’s pearls at every world-class exhibition, including the upcoming Indonesian Pearl Festival.
"Fifty percent of the world’s total pearl production comes from Indonesia, with a total export value of US$29 million a year. This figure has a strong potential to continue to grow in the future," Maritime and Fisheries Affairs Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
He said that the ministry had committed to developing fields that would support the country's pearl industry, such as pearl cultivation areas, human resources and technology.
The fourth Indonesian Pearl Festival is scheduled to be held on Aug. 27 to 29 at the Jakarta Convention Center, Central Jakarta. (nfo)
