Carmelita Hartoto, the Chairperson of the Central Board of the Indonesia National Shipowners Association (INSA), passionately rallied maritime industry players and government officials to forge a collaborative path toward realizing the vision of an advanced Indonesia. This call to action resonated during the 18th General Meeting of Members (RUA) held in Surabaya on Friday, December 15, 2023, under the theme ‘INSA Ready to Face Challenges Towards an Advanced Indonesia.’
In a gathering attended by the Director of Navigation, Head of the Legal Bureau at the Ministry of Transportation, and various officials from relevant agencies, including PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), Jakarta International Container Terminal, and Terminal Teluk Lamong (TTL), Carmelita outlined the distinctive nature of this RUA and the current leadership period.
Carmelita acknowledged that the General Meeting of Members is a mandate according to the INSA’s constitution and bylaws, organized at the end of the leadership term. However, she invited everyone present to reflect on the concluding management period, particularly considering the profound challenges faced during the DPP INSA 2019-2023 term, marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic and energy crises.
“This leadership term was exceptionally challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic that struck long after the 2019 RUA. What was initially perceived as a health issue rapidly transformed into a World Crisis. This is the most significant crisis humanity has faced since World War II,” Carmelita remarked.
She elaborated on the tremendous impact experienced across various sectors of society, from the upheaval in healthcare to disruptions in education and economic instability, not only in Indonesia but globally.
As a business organization in the maritime sector, Carmelita highlighted how INSA was affected. Planned work programs from the previous RUA were inevitably disrupted, affecting not only the central operations but also the branches nationwide.
“Not only did we battle against COVID, but we were also surprised by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and, more recently, the struggles faced by our brethren in Palestine. Economically, our strategic trading partner, China, also experienced slowdowns,” she explained.
Yet, amidst these challenges, Carmelita emphasized the phenomenal achievements of this leadership term. One noteworthy accomplishment was the successful consolidation of the national fleet’s strength to ensure the supply of coal to Steam Power Plants (PLTU), addressing shortages in 2022.
“In the midst of a pandemic and energy crisis, we prevailed! This achievement not only reflects INSA’s resilience but also demonstrates our commitment to prioritize national interests and serve Indonesia collectively,” confidently stated INSA Chairperson.
Carmelita also highlighted INSA’s role on the international stage, proudly noting its active membership in the Federation of Asean Shipowners Association (FASA). Moreover, INSA secured the position of Chairperson for the FASA management term 2024-2026 and a key role as the Vice-Chair of the Asia Shipowners Association (ASA) for the period 2023-2024.
“This success opens opportunities for INSA to expand its influence, especially internationally, fostering collaborations with countries such as Australia, Japan, China, Korea, and India,” expressed Carmelita enthusiastically.
However, amid the international spotlight, Carmelita stressed INSA’s active involvement as Indonesia’s delegation at the 33rd International Maritime Organization (IMO) Session in London. Indonesia’s re-election as a Category C Council Member for the period 2024-2025 stands as evidence of INSA’s global contribution.
Carmelita affirmed that ‘Indonesia Maju’ (Advanced Indonesia) is not merely a dream but a challenge and an opportunity that must be faced with optimism. INSA is determined to restore the prominence of Indonesian vessels globally through policies beyond cabotage.
“It’s not just about addressing Indonesia’s service trade deficit in export-import transportation but also about moving alongside rapidly advancing technology. Digitalization is our current focus; it’s a choice between adapting to the times or falling behind,” she clarified.
Additionally, INSA reiterated its commitment to green energy, actively reducing emissions through its member vessels. Carmelita noted progress in the development of gas-powered ships and ongoing research into solar energy utilization.
“Although we face challenges, especially in onshore support infrastructure and regulations related to dual-fuel ship retrofitting, INSA seeks full government support to create policies that boost the domestic maritime industry’s value-added,” urged Carmelita, with a hopeful tone.
In her concluding inspirational speech, Carmelita expressed gratitude to regulators and appealed for continuous support. “To regulators, we need your support in every step we take. The support provided so far has been invaluable, and we hope it will continue, including in the matters I have mentioned,” she said, met with a resounding applause from all attendees.
Beyond the impactful speech, the event also included a Focus Group Discussion with competent speakers in their respective fields, marking INSA’s commitment to addressing dynamic changes in the maritime world.