Indonesia has been re-elected as a Category C member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 period, a decision made during the 34th IMO session in London. Led by Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, Indonesia garnered support from 138 member countries, ranking fifth among 26 candidates. This accomplishment underlines Indonesia’s strategic role as a significant global maritime hub, reinforcing its commitment to global maritime governance as highlighted by President Prabowo Subianto’s directives.
The IMO Council consists of various categories, with Category C focusing on member countries that represent key global geographies without having large shipping fleets. Alongside Indonesia, other elected Category C members include nations like the Bahamas, Belgium, and Turkey, totaling 21 countries representing diverse maritime interests.
Minister Dudy emphasized Indonesia’s dedication to enhancing shipping safety, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of seafarers. He expressed Indonesia’s readiness to collaborate with member nations to promote a safer, greener, and more resilient future in international shipping. The focus is on maximizing shared maritime opportunities to achieve sustainability on a global scale.
Indonesia’s commitment to maritime safety entails advancing e-navigation, modernizing the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), and implementing risk management strategies. A highlight of these initiatives is the Traffic Separation Scheme established in the Sunda and Lombok Straits, which showcases how international cooperation can enhance safety in busy waterways.
Regarding environmental sustainability, Indonesia is aligning national policies with IMO objectives to achieve net-zero emissions. This includes expanding on-shore power supply facilities at ports and designating the Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
Human resources are at the core of Indonesia’s maritime ecosystem, with a focus on strengthening seafarers’ rights, mental health, and well-being. Minister Dudy mentioned the development of a digital training framework intended to support seafarers through technological advancements.
Indonesia also reaffirms its support for a more inclusive and representative IMO Council, demonstrated through its ratification of the 2021 Amendments to the IMO Convention, which aims to enhance multilingualism within the organization.
During the 34th IMO session, Minister Dudy engaged in bilateral meetings with several dignitaries, including the IMO Secretary-General and transportation ministers from various countries, further emphasizing Indonesia’s active role in international maritime discussions.
In summary, Indonesia’s re-election to the IMO Council reflects its growing influence and commitment to pivotal maritime issues, showcasing its role as a leader in promoting safety, sustainability, and the welfare of its maritime workforce on a global stage.
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