JAKARTA (ISL News) - The Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate of Maritime and Shipping Surveillance (KPLP), reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cyber resilience in the national maritime transportation sector. This strategic step was realized through the launch of the Indonesia Maritime Transportation Cybersecurity Playbook and the implementation of a Table-top Exercise held in collaboration with the British Embassy in Jakarta, held at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta, Tuesday (September 22, 2026).
The launch was attended by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the British Embassy in Indonesia, Fiona Ritchie, the ISF Indo Pacific Cyber Programme team, cyber experts from the University of Plymouth, and representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN).
On that occasion, Acting Director General of Sea Transportation Lollan Panjaitan, who in this case was represented by Director of Navigation Hernadi Tri Cahyanto, said that digital transformation in the sea transportation sector has provided extraordinary efficiency, but at the same time brings challenges and risks of cyber attacks.
"Digital transformation has become an integral part of maritime transportation operations, from navigation systems and port management to logistics and data exchange. However, this high reliance on digital technology also increases cybersecurity risks and threats," he said.
Hernadi emphasized that cyberattacks in the maritime sector are no longer simply disruptions to information systems, but have the potential to disrupt the smooth flow of logistics chains, shipping safety, and even the national economy. Therefore, cybersecurity is now seen as a vital element of national maritime transportation safety and resilience.
"The development and launch of the Indonesia Maritime Transportation Cybersecurity Playbook is a strategic step that serves as a shared reference for all stakeholders to improve preparedness, respond to, and protect data and information from various cyber threats," he explained.
Furthermore, Hernadi added that the Playbook must be balanced with adequate understanding and simulation. The Tabletop Exercise, held as part of this series of events, is an important tool for testing cyber incident preparedness and procedures in real-world situations.
"This tabletop exercise is not just a simulation, but an opportunity to test procedures, communication mechanisms, and decision-making when facing a cyber incident. Through this exercise, we can identify potential gaps and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party to strengthen cross-sector coordination," Hernadi emphasized.
He also expressed the Minister of Transportation's appreciation and gratitude to the British Government, the British Embassy in Jakarta, and the University of Plymouth for their partnership and contribution in supporting maritime cyber resilience in Indonesia.
"On behalf of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, we express our highest appreciation to the British Government, especially Ms. Fiona Ritchie and the team from the British Embassy, as well as the instructors from the University of Plymouth. We hope this activity will be a strategic milestone in strengthening the cyber resilience of Indonesia's maritime transportation sector, while also strengthening relations between the two countries within the framework of constructive cooperation within the International Maritime Organization (IMO)," Hernadi concluded.
Through synergy between regulators, port operators, shipping companies, technology providers, and academics, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation is optimistic that the acceleration of digital transformation in the maritime transportation sector can continue safely, reliably, and provide maximum benefits for the community and the national economy.
(ISL News/SKY/ETJ/HJ editorial office).
