JAKARTA INDONESIA (ISL News) - Indonesia has been re-elected as a Category C Council Member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Ministry of Transportation has begun formulating strategic steps to ensure that Indonesia's contribution during the 2026–2027 membership period is effective and impacts the global maritime order.
"Things that were also formulated included strengthening Indonesia's position, increasing the capacity of delegations, and close collaboration with relevant ministries/institutions, both national and international," said Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi at the Evaluation and Follow-up of the Results of the IMO Council Member Election in Jakarta, Friday (12/12).
Transportation Minister Dudy emphasized that this success is not merely a diplomatic achievement, but rather a global mandate that must be carried out with high commitment and a real contribution to global maritime governance.
"This trust represents both a consequence and a significant responsibility for Indonesia. This achievement is not just a matter of numbers or position. It is a concrete reflection of global trust in Indonesia's consistency in championing the safety, security, and sustainability of global shipping," said Transportation Minister Dudy.
In the election held at the 34th IMO Assembly Session at the end of November, Indonesia received 138 votes, placing fifth out of 26 candidate countries. This result strengthens Indonesia's position as a credible maritime nation and plays a strategic role in developing global shipping policy.
The Minister of Transportation emphasized that membership in the IMO Council provides strategic space to strengthen Indonesia's position in shaping international maritime policy. As the world's largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia bears a geographical and historical responsibility for safeguarding international shipping lanes, not merely as a user of global sea lanes but also as a guardian of their strategic hubs. This aligns with President Prabowo's vision of making Indonesia the global maritime axis.
"This membership is not an end in itself, but rather a strategic platform to ensure Indonesia's national interests are represented in every global maritime policy formulation, while also strengthening Indonesia's contribution to important global agendas such as shipping decarbonization, maritime digitalization, and improving the safety and capacity of developing countries," the Minister of Transportation added.
Transportation Minister Dudy also highlighted the importance of collaborative work between all stakeholders to address increasingly complex maritime challenges. Synergy across ministries and institutions, along with support from industry, associations, and all stakeholders, is key to Indonesia's continued strengthening of its position in international maritime diplomacy.
Also present were Senior High-Level Officials within the Ministry of Transportation, President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Heri Widodo, and Chairperson of INSA Carmelita Hartoto.
(ISL News Editorial Team/HA/HH/GT/ETD).
