JAKARTA (ISL News) - Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi officially replaced Director General of Sea Transportation Muhammad Masyhud on September 18, 2026. The change occurred amid a series of ship accidents, including the capsizing of the KM Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea. The ministry described it as a managerial evaluation and organizational refresh, while the investigation was handed over to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).
Amid the intense public scrutiny of national shipping safety, the name of Lollan Andy Sutomo Panjaitan, ST, MT, has surfaced. Not for sensationalism, but because of the significant responsibility he now carries.
It was during this crucial transition period that Lollan was appointed Acting (Plt.) Director General of Sea Transportation (Perhubungan Laut - HUBLA). His definitive position is Secretary of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, with the rank of Pembina Level I (IV/b).
Born on January 25, 1971, Lollan is a technocrat. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Indonesia and a Master's degree in Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology. But behind his impressive academic record lies another side that is rarely known to the public: he studied theology at STT Doulus, in an extension class. This choice was no accident.
It is known that Lollan Andy Sutomo Panjaitan was previously a student at Doulos Theological Seminary. He was considered a humble, helpful, and caring person. His house in the Caman area of Kalimalang, when he first married, was occupied by Doulus Theological Seminary students. Lollan herself, when she first married a doctor named Boru Siagian, lived in the house with the theology students.
Her caring nature didn't stop there. Her parents, who live in Sumur Batu, Central Jakarta, had a career in the Public Works Department, and her mother, Boru Siagian, was known for warmly welcoming anyone who sought their help. Lollan is the youngest of two children, and her brother is a prosecutor. The family grew up with the values of service.
Despite having studied theology, Lollan chose to focus on building a career at the Ministry of Transportation. Prior to his appointment as Acting Director General of Sea Transportation, he actively oversaw maritime transportation operations, from Eid homecoming inspections to internal development.
He now has a daunting task: strengthening maritime safety oversight, ensuring the seaworthiness of ships, and improving the passenger manifest system. The public hopes that under the hands of this humble and service-minded bureaucrat, Indonesia's maritime safety reputation can be restored.
(ISL News Editorial Team).
