Shipping industry stakeholders called for stronger cooperation across Indonesia’s maritime sector on Thursday, citing global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and rising competition in regional logistics markets
Speaking at the 18th Members Meeting (RAC) of INSA Jaya in Jakarta on Thursday, Chairperson of the Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) Carmelita Hartoto said the forum should serve not only as a leadership transition event but also as an opportunity for industry stakeholders to align their vision and develop solutions to support the long-term growth of the national shipping sector.
“I hope this RAC will not only elect a new leader, but also become a forum to formulate common goals and solutions for advancing the national shipping industry, including strengthening national trade governance and export-import activities,” she said.
Indonesia’s shipping sector is facing increasing pressure from shifts in global trade patterns, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and intensifying competition within the regional logistics industry, she said.
According to Carmelita, the evolving business environment requires stronger coordination among shipping companies, government institutions, port operators and logistics stakeholders to maintain the competitiveness of Indonesia’s maritime industry.
“In a situation filled with uncertainty, collaboration and communication become increasingly important. No stakeholder can face these challenges alone,” she said.
The meeting brought together representatives from 30 shipping companies affiliated with the Jakarta branch of INSA.
In addition to reviewing organizational programs and priorities, participants discussed several strategic issues affecting the shipping sector, including logistics efficiency, improvements in port services and efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s national fleet.
The event was attended by senior representatives from the maritime, port and logistics sectors. Among them were Head of Tanjung Priok Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP) Capt. Heru Susanto, Pelindo Regional 2 Tanjung Priok Executive General Manager
Yandri Tri Saputera, as well as representatives from the Marunda Port Authority, the Tanjung Priok Navigation District, the Thousand Islands Port Authority and the Tanjung Priok Main Customs and Excise Office.
Representatives from industry associations also attended, including Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI) Jakarta Chairman Adil Karim, Indonesian Stevedoring Companies Association (APBMI) Jakarta Chairman Capt. Suwondo, Indonesian Shipping Agencies Association (ISAA) representative Erwan Mulyana and executives from Mustika Alam Lestari Terminal (TMAL).
Several senior INSA figures, including Sungkono Ali and M. Yahya Zubir, were also present.
Yandri Tri Saputera said cooperation between port operators and shipping companies remains essential to improving operational efficiency and ensuring the smooth movement of goods throughout the country.
“Strong collaboration between ports and shipping companies will contribute significantly to service efficiency and support the continuity of national logistics flows,” he said.
Meanwhile, Capt. Heru Susanto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining efficient cargo movement through Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia’s largest seaport and primary gateway for international trade.
“As regulators, we continue to work to ensure port services operate optimally to support trade and distribution activities,” Heru said, while expressing appreciation for the cooperation established between KSOP and INSA Jaya.
Andi S. Patonangi Reelected
The organizational forum also included the election of INSA Jaya’s chairman for the 2026–2031 term.
Chair of the organizing committee Arwan Selmianto said the nomination process had been conducted in accordance with the association’s bylaws and organizational procedures. Following the verification process, only one candidate fulfilled all requirements to contest the position.
The sole eligible candidate was incumbent chairman Andi S. Pattonangi, who was subsequently confirmed to continue leading the organization for another five-year term.
His re-election is expected to provide continuity for the association as it navigates regulatory changes, market challenges and the broader transformation of Indonesia’s maritime sector.
INSA Jaya officials expressed hope that under the new leadership, the organization would continue strengthening its role as a platform for shipping industry players while serving as a strategic partner to the government in supporting Indonesia’s ambition to become a competitive maritime nation integrated into global trade networks.