Indonesia is turning to international standards to strengthen the competitiveness of its ports, industry officials said during a webinar organized by the Indonesian Port Business Association (ABUPI).
The online event, titled “ISO-Standardized Ports: Building Trust, Increasing Competitiveness,” brought together ABUPI members and maritime stakeholders to discuss how global standards can enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
ABUPI Chairperson Liana Trisnawati, who opened the webinar, described standardization as a cornerstone for modern port governance. “The implementation of ISO standards is not just a global trend. It is a necessity to ensure consistent operations in the face of increasing international logistics competition,” she said. “Ports are a vital node in the national supply chain. Without strong standards, we will struggle to compete regionally.”
The webinar featured three seasoned experts in quality management and standardization: Rohardik, Senior Management System Officer at PT Krakatau Bandar Samudera (KBS); Novian Amrah Putra, Chairman of the Indonesian ISO Expert Association (IIEA); and Safri Saipulloh, CEO of PT Rifas Tabar Indonesia (RIIFAST).
Speakers highlighted three key points for effective ISO implementation in ports:
- Building Trust Through Standards: ISO certification establishes structured procedures that minimize operational risks and strengthen safety and security. In an industry handling high-value cargo, process reliability is a critical measure of service quality.
- Credibility of Certification Bodies: The value of certification depends on the global recognition of the issuing body. Port operators are encouraged to select accredited institutions and use the certification process as a tool for continuous improvement, rather than merely obtaining the ISO label.
- ISO as a Living Framework: Successful implementation goes beyond documentation. It requires management commitment, thorough gap assessments, relevant documentation, and a culture of ongoing improvement to adapt to the dynamic nature of port operations.
ABUPI said the initiative aligns with its broader agenda to strengthen ISO-based management systems across Indonesian ports. The association believes that robust standards will improve operational efficiency, enhance service credibility, and foster a more competitive logistics ecosystem.
“With stronger management systems, Indonesian ports can compete more effectively both regionally and globally while supporting national economic growth,” Liana said.
Through webinars and similar initiatives, ABUPI aims to demonstrate that standardization is a long-term investment, essential not only for market competitiveness but also for building a reliable and sustainable national logistics system.