LONDON (ISL News) - The Indonesian delegation promoted the proposal for the Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) on the sidelines of the IMO Council 132 Session at IMO Headquarters in London, England. The promotion was carried out during the Session's coffee break on Tuesday morning London time (9/7/2024).
"We took the initiative to sponsor a Coffee Break for all delegates present to promote the proposal of the Lombok Strait PSSA," said the Director General of Sea Transportation, Capt. Antoni Arif Priadi who acted as the Chair of the Indonesian Delegation at the Session.
On that occasion, Antoni conveyed to the delegates present that as a Member of the IMO Council, Indonesia is always committed to strengthening the role of IMO as a world maritime organization and realizing safety and security for sustainable maritime development.
Antoni said that the determination of Nusa Penida and Gili Matra in the Lombok Strait as PSSA is one of Indonesia's efforts to protect the maritime environment, because the area is included in the Coral Triangle, a globally recognized center of marine biodiversity, where a kaleidoscope of life occurs, which thrives with a variety of extraordinary coral species.
Therefore, Indonesia's proposal to designate the Lombok Strait as a PSSA is expected to advocate for the conservation of the region's ecological wealth. It is also a recognition of the dual significance of the region, namely a haven for rich biodiversity and a foundation for local economic and cultural identity, but vulnerable to the impacts of increasing international shipping volumes.
"The proposal will be submitted to IMO at the 82nd MEPC session in September, for that we are trying to garner support from member countries attending this session," he said.
In addition to promoting the proposal of the Lombok Strait as a PSSA, Antoni also explained the development of technology or digitalization in supporting maritime programs in Indonesia, including the development of INDOSREP which supports shipping safety, the implementation of the Inaportnet information service system at ports throughout Indonesia, and the launch of the E-Signed Certificate which makes it easier for sailors in Indonesia.
DELIVERY OF THE INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION TO THE AMENDMENTS TO THE IMO CONVENTION, 2021
On the second day of the 132nd Council Session, the Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary General of IMO, Arsenio Dominguez. The meeting with the Secretary General of IMO was held to submit the Instrument of Accession to the Amendments to the IMO Convention, 2021 which has been ratified by Indonesia through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2024 concerning Ratification of Amendments to The Convention on the International Maritime Organization, 2021 (Amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, 2021)
"The submission of the accession instrument confirms Indonesia's commitment to Council reform, namely realizing a more transparent, representative and accountable IMO Council," said Antoni.
IMO Council reform, according to Antoni, is important to improve its role and function in protecting the interests of member countries. Indonesia as a country on the main international shipping route, needs to pay attention to and protect the interests of Indonesian sailors and the role of shipping in the world economy.
"Therefore, Indonesia as a member of the IMO Council will continue the IMO Council reform process in a transparent, inclusive and innovative manner," concluded Antoni.
For information, Indonesia through the Ministry of Transportation cq. Directorate General of Sea Transportation attended the 132nd IMO Council Session held at the IMO Headquarters in London, England from Monday (8/7) to Friday (12/7).
The 132nd IMO Council Session was chaired by Victor Jimenez Fernandez from Spain and focused on discussing the agenda of IMO Strategy, planning and reform, IMO Resource Management, Budget 2025-2026, consolidation of IMO convention texts, IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), and Reports of several previous IMO Committee Sessions. The Indonesian delegation attending the Session consisted of several elements, including the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PT. Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI), PT. Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) and INSA.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Hubla/MYN/MM/BOH/email:islnewstv@gmail.com).
