Indonesia’s maritime industry is being called to harness new momentum with the growing presence of the Indonesia Shipping Agencies Association (ISAA), a national organization seen as a strategic partner to government efforts to modernize port governance, cut logistics costs, and drive digital transformation across the archipelago’s shipping network.
Director General of Sea Transportation Muhammad Masyhud delivered that message as he opened the 2025 ISAA National Working Meeting (Rakernas) on Friday, October 24, 2025, coinciding with the association’s ninth Rakernas.
The gathering drew 327 participants from ISAA’s 44 regional and branch councils, joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Transportation and industry figures, including Budi Mantoro, Rivani Komala, and ISAA advisor Juswandi Kristanto.
Strengthening Efficiency and Governance
In his keynote speech, Masyhud described shipping as “the backbone of national logistics,” underscoring the sector’s role in connecting the world’s largest archipelago and driving trade from Sabang to Merauke.
Muhammad Masyhud
“Improving port governance and logistics efficiency are non-negotiable,” he said, urging ISAA to act as “new energy” in the nation’s maritime ecosystem.
ISAA, he added, can play a crucial role in accelerating port digitalization and building a more transparent, accountable agency system. The Ministry of Transportation has issued 1,907 Shipping Agency Company Business Licenses (SIUPKK) nationwide, though 273 licenses were revoked over inactivity or compliance issues—a sign, he said, of the need for continuous professional development and stronger oversight.
Masyhud also highlighted human resource development as a central priority, calling on ISAA to become a facilitator for training and professional certification aligned with international standards. “Let’s continue to collaborate for the advancement of Indonesia’s maritime transportation and logistics sectors,” he said.
Expanding Presence Across All Ports
ISAA chairman Aris Hartoyo expressed appreciation for the government’s support, particularly in revising Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping under Law No. 66 of 2025, which strengthens the regulatory framework for shipping agencies.
Aris Hartoyo
He described the amendment as “a milestone” for the industry, paving the way for greater accountability and efficiency.
“ISAA’s vision is to be present at every port in Indonesia—public, private, or specialized, including Terminals for Self-Use (TUKS) and Special Terminals (Tersus),” Aris said. “We want ISAA not just as an association, but as a true partner to the government in creating modern, competitive maritime governance.”
A Decade of Transformation
Reflecting on ISAA’s journey, advisor Juswandi Kristanto, who also chairs the Indonesian Stevedoring and Unloading Companies Association (APBMI), recalled how the group was born nearly a decade ago to unify shipping agency companies under a professional umbrella.
Juswandi Kristanto
“Over the past nine years, ISAA has been part of the transformation of Indonesia’s shipping sector,” Juswandi said. “We’ve grown alongside regulatory changes and the demands of a more dynamic, globalized market.”
He warned that the next phase of industry development will hinge not only on regulation and efficiency, but also on adaptation to technology and environmental sustainability. “The future of shipping lies in how well we balance digital progress with green practices,” he added.
Building Synergy for the Future
The 2025 National Working Meeting, said organizing chair Erwan Mulyana, is more than a routine event—it serves as a platform for national consolidation and idea exchange among ISAA’s regional leaders.
Erwan Mulyana
“This is a momentum to strengthen synergy and expand ISAA’s tangible contribution to national shipping,” Erwan said. “Through the discussions and recommendations here, we aim to produce innovations that align with the government’s agenda of reducing logistics costs and boosting maritime competitiveness.”
Toward a Modern, Competitive Maritime Nation
As Indonesia seeks to cement its place as a global maritime hub, collaboration between regulators and industry players will be critical. With its growing network and nationwide presence, ISAA is being positioned not only as a business association, but as a driving force for reform.
Participants of 44 DPW/DPC Nationwide
The association’s challenge now is to turn that vision into action—fostering efficiency, modernization, and inclusivity across Indonesia’s shipping industry. In the words of Masyhud, ISAA is expected to be “a new source of energy” for a nation that has always looked to the sea for its strength and future.