JAKARTA (ISL News) - Director General of Sea Transportation, Capt. Antoni Arif Priadi officially opened the celebration of World Seafarers' Day 2024 at the Jakarta Maritime Science College, Tuesday (25/6/2024). With the theme "Happy and Healthy Seafarer for Safe Ships", this activity was attended by various parties, including representatives of Embassies, Ministries and Institutions, Associations/Federations/Organizations, Shipping Companies, Maritime Education and Training Institutions, Ship Crew Agency Companies, and stakeholders related.
In his speech, Capt. Antoni emphasized the importance of this momentum to appreciate and appreciate the services of seafarers throughout the world, especially in Indonesia. He highlighted the crucial role of seafarers as the backbone of the global logistics chain, which has made an extraordinary contribution in maintaining the smooth distribution of goods and commodities globally.
"The 2024 Seafarers' Day commemoration in Indonesia is not only a momentum to celebrate the success and courage of seafarers, but also a call to continue to advance the maritime sector as one of the nation's main economic pillars. "With the spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness, Indonesia emphasizes its commitment to building strong and sustainable maritime sovereignty for a better future," said Capt. Antony.
Capt. Antoni also used this opportunity to emphasize the Ministry of Transportation's commitment to strengthening regulations and supervision to guarantee the rights of seafarers. This was implemented through the issuance of Circular Letter No. SE-DJPL 20 of 2024 concerning Inspection and Supervision of Maritime Work Agreements on the Basic Salaries of Ship Crews Working on Indonesian Flag Ships Sailing in Indonesian Waters.
"The issuance of this Circular aims to provide protection and legal certainty to ship crew regarding basic salaries. "The basic salary also does not include other allowances, at least including overtime pay and compensation for holidays (leavepay)," he stressed.
Apart from relating to the welfare of seafarers, Capt. Antoni revealed the government's plan to encourage increased competency and quality of human resources in the maritime sector.
"Indonesian sailors are prepared to be globally competitive and able to face increasingly rapid technological developments. "That way, they can also make a significant contribution in maintaining Indonesia's role as a major maritime country in the world," he added.
World Seafarers' Day is an annual agenda initiated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is celebrated throughout the world every June 25. This celebration aims to increase public awareness of the important contribution of seafarers to the global economy and international trade.
To celebrate World Seafarers' Day 2024, the Ministry of Transportation together with the College of Maritime Science (STIP) also held various series of activities, including workshops and exhibitions involving more than 200 (two hundred) participants. Several strategic issues that emerged in this workshop were Sexual Harassment and Bullying on Board the Vessel, Regulation on Health & Welfare of Seafarers, and Global Movement to Promote Widespread Ratification and Effective Implementation of MLC.
"This year's World Seafarers' Day is expected to be a momentum for all of us to increasingly appreciate and support the noble profession of seafaring. Let us together instill a sense of pride in this profession, and ensure the health and welfare of seafarers in order to achieve shipping safety," concluded Capt. Antony.
(ISL News Editorial/HUBLA Public Relations/email:islnewstv@gmail.com).
