VOINews, Jakarta: Over the past decade, Indonesia has made significant strides in developing its maritime infrastructure, highlighted by the construction of 28 new ports between 2014 and 2024. According to Antoni Arif Priadi, Director General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, these developments are part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and mobility across the vast archipelago. In addition to new ports, 165 rehabilitation projects have been carried out on existing ports throughout the country.
Antoni shared these updates in a statement from Jakarta on Saturday, noting that the improvements are essential for enhancing Indonesia’s maritime transportation capabilities. Beyond infrastructure, the government has prioritized improving services, particularly for remote and underserved areas. "The operation of pioneer vessels and livestock carriers has been crucial in ensuring mobility in isolated regions and facilitating the distribution of livestock from production centers to consumption areas," he explained.
Currently, the pioneer vessels serve 107 routes, while livestock carriers operate along six routes. Antoni stressed that these vessels are not merely transportation means but also play a vital role in bolstering national food security. The efficient movement of livestock, facilitated by the government’s maritime initiatives, has strengthened the country’s ability to meet growing food demands.
Technological advancements have also been a key focus, particularly through the implementation of digital systems in the maritime sector. Antoni highlighted the Inaportnet system, a digital information platform that has been rolled out in 264 ports across Indonesia. This system enhances the efficiency of port operations, streamlining processes and improving services in critical areas.
In conjunction with the upcoming World Maritime Day on September 26, 2024, Indonesia has adopted the theme "Navigating the Future: Safety First!" for this year’s celebration. This theme emphasizes the importance of safety in the maritime sector as the country looks to the future. "Safety is non-negotiable," Antoni stated, underscoring the government’s dedication to ensuring all maritime operations meet international safety standards.
Antoni used the opportunity to encourage all maritime stakeholders to work together in creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable sea transportation system. "We are navigating the future together, with safety as the top priority. This is a shared responsibility, not just the government’s, but all those involved in the maritime industry," he urged.
The World Maritime Day celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security in all maritime activities, a priority that will ensure a brighter future for Indonesia’s maritime sector. Antoni concluded by expressing his hopes for a future where Indonesia continues to lead in maritime safety and innovation.
Beyond infrastructure developments, Antoni also pointed out the success of the Sea Toll Program, a flagship initiative under the Directorate General of Sea Transportation. The program, which now operates 39 routes, has been instrumental in connecting previously hard-to-reach regions. "The Sea Toll has become the backbone of national logistics distribution, significantly reducing price disparities between the western and eastern parts of Indonesia," Antoni remarked.
With these combined efforts in infrastructure, service improvement, and technological innovation, Indonesia is set to continue leading maritime advancements for years to come./ANTARA/VOI
