The Directorate General of Sea Transportation of Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation has officially launched the Electronic Seafarers Identity Document (e-SID) service at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. This initiative aims to support Indonesian sailors in securing their rights and facilitating their duties abroad. Hendri Ginting, the Director of Shipships and Maritime Affairs, highlighted that the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) is designed based on international standards set by the ILO Convention Number 185. The e-SID enhances sailors’ mobility in international waters, simplifies access to ports, and elevates their legal protection.
Indonesia is a significant contributor to the global maritime labor market, with approximately 36,167 Indonesian sailors currently registered in Singapore alone. The e-SID provides several important benefits, including visa-free access to international ports, official recognition as legitimate maritime workers, and simplified repatriation processes. The biometric security features ensure higher data protection standards, making the SID a crucial identity document that validates the rights of sailors.
The Ministry emphasizes its commitment to serving sailors fairly and professionally. Ginting encouraged sailors to report any issues encountered during the e-SID handover process to ensure immediate resolution. The initial distribution of the e-SID was symbolic, with representatives of Indonesian sailors in Singapore receiving their documents.
Key aspects of the SID submission process focus on accurate data verification, targeted distribution, transparent recording, and timely responsiveness to challenges faced by sailors. The Ministry seeks to ensure that the e-SID’s functionalities are effectively operational at various domestic and international ports.
This initiative aligns with the Indonesian Law Number 1 of 2008, which ratified the ILO Convention on Seafarers’ Identity Documents. Indonesia is among 39 countries worldwide that have made this commitment, signifying its dedication to improving the welfare and rights of its maritime workforce. Overall, the launch of the e-SID serves not only to acknowledge the contributions of Indonesian sailors but also to enhance their global mobility and protection in the maritime industry.
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