The Indonesian government’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety and protection for seafarers has culminated in the successful adoption of guidelines on handling seafarer abandonment cases. This initiative, originally launched in collaboration with China and the Philippines in 2020, was formalized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 110th Legal Committee Session held from March 27 to March 31, 2023, in London.
Ambassador Desra Percaya, Indonesia’s representative at the IMO, praised the support received from member countries, highlighting Indonesia’s significant stake in the welfare of its seafarers, given that it is one of the nations with the most seafarers globally. He emphasized that the new guidelines represent a robust commitment from the Indonesian government to protect its maritime workforce, especially considering the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when many Indonesian sailors encountered difficult situations abroad.
The guidelines serve as a common framework for all stakeholders involved in resolving abandonment cases, which often require comprehensive collaboration across various entities. The complexity of these cases necessitates clear and efficient protocols to expedite their resolution. Ambassador Percaya noted that the Indonesian embassy in London had previously managed multiple cases that required urgent attention, underscoring the need for these standardized procedures.
Nurdiansyah, head of legal and foreign cooperation at the Directorate General of Sea Transportation within the Transportation Ministry, remarked that implementing these guidelines was not an easy task. The collaborative effort involved navigating the diverse interests of numerous maritime nations. Nevertheless, he stressed that Indonesia’s determination to safeguard its maritime interests remains steadfast, aligning with its goal to be recognized as a global maritime axis.
With the adoption of these guidelines, all IMO member countries are now mandated to create national standard operating procedures (SOPs) that detail the responsibilities of relevant authorities and define the roles of various stakeholders involved in seafarer protection. This requirement aims to foster uniformity and efficiency in managing abandonment cases across different jurisdictions.
Overall, this development marks a significant step in bolstering the protection of seafarers, ensuring that the rights and welfare of these maritime workers are prioritized on an international scale, while also reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a proactive player in the global maritime community.
