YOGYAKARTA (ISL News) - The Directorate General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation reaffirmed its commitment to continuously strengthening the governance of the national shipping agency industry through competency development, expertise certification, and service standard monitoring. This was conveyed by the Director General of Sea Transportation, Muhammad Masyhud, at the opening of the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesia Shipping Agencies Association (ISAA) in Yogyakarta on Friday (October 24, 2025).
In his remarks, Director General Masyhud expressed his appreciation to ISAA for holding the National Working Meeting, which he considered an important momentum for the association to make a real contribution in supporting the progress of the national shipping industry.
"Shipping is one of the main pillars of Indonesia's transportation and logistics. ISAA plays a strategic role in strengthening interregional connectivity and supporting national economic growth," said Director General Masyhud.
Promoting Governance Reform and Port Digitalization
Furthermore, Director General Masyhud emphasized that the ISAA is expected to provide new energy to support the government's ongoing port governance reform agenda. This reform program is aimed at creating a more efficient, transparent, and competitive port service system, including by accelerating the digitalization of port services and maritime traffic.
"We want all shipping agents to be part of the transformation of port services into the digital era. The goal is to reduce national logistics costs and increase the competitiveness of Indonesian shipping globally," said Director General Masyhud.
Competency Improvement and Certification of Ship Agents
On the occasion, Director General Masyhud also emphasized the importance of human resource (HR) development in the shipping agency sector. He stated that competency certificates are not merely administrative documents but also guarantees of service quality.
"The competency certificate ensures that every shipping agent has technical expertise, an understanding of maritime law, and service ethics that meet international standards," he explained.
Masyhud continued, saying that the Directorate General of Sea Transportation continues to promote education and training based on national and international competency standards. This initiative is expected to produce professionals who not only understand technical aspects but also possess insight into maritime regulations, shipping safety, and professional ethics.
As a form of supervision and improvement of governance, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation has also carried out evaluations and enforcement of shipping agency companies that do not comply with statutory regulations.
Masyhud revealed that currently, 1,907 shipping agency companies hold active business permits in Indonesia. However, a recent evaluation showed that 273 companies had their permits revoked because they were no longer operating or not conducting their activities in accordance with regulations.
"This permit revocation measure is not merely a legal action, but part of an effort to foster and regulate administration so that shipping agency businesses in Indonesia become more professional, transparent, and have integrity," Masyhud emphasized.
He added that the government hopes that all agency companies will maintain orderly administration, comply with regulations, and improve the quality of their services, so that they can make a real contribution to the efficiency of ship services and strengthen the national maritime logistics system.
The Director General of Sea Transportation also emphasized the importance of the ISAA National Working Meeting forum as a strategic space to accommodate aspirations and formulate innovative ideas for strengthening the association and increasing the competitiveness of the shipping agency industry.
"Through synergy and collaboration between the government and industry players, we can build a solid, professional, and globally competitive shipping agency industry," concluded Director General Masyhud.
(ISL News Editorial/Humas Hubla/SKY/ETJ/HJ).
