LONDON (ISL News) - As a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, Indonesia attended the 133rd IMO Council Session held at IMO Headquarters in London, England, which took place from 18 to 22 November 2024.
The 133rd IMO Council Session was chaired by Victor Jimenez from Spain and focused on discussing the agenda of IMO Strategy, Planning and Reform, IMO Resource Management, Consolidation of IMO Convention Texts, Global Maritime Training Institute, IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), Enhancement of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), External Relations, Report of the previous Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) Sessions and other strategic agendas.
Acting as the spokesperson for the Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia, Deputy for Search and Rescue Operations, and Readiness (Deops) of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Rear Admiral TNI R. Eko Suyatno revealed that Indonesia's participation in this Session shows its active role as a member of the IMO Council 2024-2025.
In addition, Indonesia is also a co-sponsor of document C 133/3/5 specifically regarding Proxy Voting or delegation of voting authority to representatives on behalf of original vote holders, where Indonesia does not agree with Proxy Voting. Indonesia believes that proxy voting can weaken the responsibility and involvement of each Council Member in making important decisions.
Indonesia also expressed its support for the IMO Secretariat Proposal and recommended that the Council approve the improvement of the Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement, which are expected to improve IMO's performance and not contain anything that is detrimental to Indonesia's interests.
Risk management is an issue that is the scope of the audit of IMO performance. This can be associated with the status of BPK RI which is currently the External Auditor of IMO, so it is quite important for Indonesia to state its approval of this agenda.
"On this good occasion, we would like to express our appreciation to the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) who have provided an opportunity for representatives from Indonesia to continue their studies at WMU and IMLI to improve their capacity in the field of port and shipping management and international maritime law. Over the years, graduates of both institutions have made major contributions to the development of Indonesia's maritime sector," said Eko.
Then, regarding the budget and finance agenda, it is an opportunity for Indonesia to convey interventions regarding expanding opportunities for member countries to benefit from planned programs in the form of Technical Cooperation, especially amidst unstable global economic conditions due to a number of crises in several regions.
Furthermore, Indonesia expressed its appreciation to the IMO Secretariat for the comprehensive report on the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) and the flexibility in rescheduling certain audits, including in Indonesia, which is planned to be implemented in June 2025.
Furthermore, regarding the issue of conflict in the Red Sea and the Black Sea which has an impact on ships sailing through the region, Indonesia voiced the same opinion as other delegations who have called for any resolution, especially regarding the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea and the Black Sea at this time.
Meeting on the Sidelines of the Session
In addition to following the trial, Indonesia also carried out several agendas in between the trials, including bilateral meetings with several countries, such as meetings with Malaysia, meetings with Australia, meetings with the Glofouling Partnership Project, and becoming a sponsor of the Coffee Break.
At the bilateral meeting with Malaysia, the plan to open the Dumai-Melaka Ro-Ro route was discussed, support from the Malaysian government to reach an agreement on the preparation of traffic regulations and cross-border cargo regulations, as well as the potential for the RoRo route in Batam - Johor.
Meanwhile, when meeting Australia, Indonesia said that Indonesia and Australia have strong and growing economic relations, which are facilitated by the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
"We encourage this cooperation by considering the potential of one of the direct shipping routes. We are confident that Indonesia can supply Australia's needs in terms of food, agriculture, furniture, households, and others and we welcome Australian investment in the maritime sector,"
When sponsoring Coffee Break, Indonesia distributed scarves made by Cilegon City's MSMEs and Indonesian specialty coffee as souvenirs for the delegates of IMO member countries.
The Indonesian Delegation attending the Meeting consisted of several representatives, including from the Ministry of Transportation, the Indonesian Embassy in London, Basarnas, PT. Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia, PT. Pelindo Jasa Maritim, PT. Pertamina International Shipping, and PT Pelabuhan Cilegon Mandiri.
(ISL News Editorial Team/PF/JOE/AK/email:islnewstv@gmail.com).
