Pelindo Emphasizes Economic Potential in Strait of Malacca
PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) or Pelindo President Director, Achmad Muchtasyar, emphasized that Indonesia needs to take a bigger role in international shipping activities in the Strait of Malacca so that it is not only a country through which ships pass, but also obtains national economic added value from maritime services. This commitment was conveyed at the Strategic Maritime Forum held to commemorate World Seafarer Day 2026 in Jakarta.
The forum was attended by Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana, Senior Director of Transportation Danantara Asset Management Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, Head of the Transportation Policy Agency Inspector General of Police Dr. Capt. Hermanta, and maritime sector stakeholders who discussed strengthening Indonesia’s role in the international shipping and logistics ecosystem.
Strengthening Maritime Services for Economic Value
Achmad explained that the Strait of Malacca is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and holds strategic importance for Indonesia. Besides being a key international trade corridor, the region also offers significant opportunities for Indonesia to increase economic value through the provision of integrated maritime services.
“The Strait of Malacca is not just an international shipping lane. For Indonesia, this region is a strategic space to strengthen maritime sovereignty while capturing greater economic value from global trade activities,” said Achmad.
According to him, Indonesia needs to strengthen its presence by providing safe, reliable, and competitive maritime services, ranging from pilotage, towing, ship-to-ship transfer, transshipment, floating storage, and various other ship support services. This way, Indonesia will not only become a shipping route but also a vital part of the international logistics and trade chain.
Improving Shipping Safety and Environmental Protection
Achmad emphasized that strengthening maritime services also plays a crucial role in improving shipping safety and protecting the marine environment. The high volume of ship traffic in the Strait of Malacca requires sound service management to minimize the risk of accidents, pollution, and potential oil spills that could impact Indonesian waters.
“Strengthening pilotage, tugboat, and other maritime services is not merely a business matter. It also concerns navigational safety, environmental protection, and the state’s presence in safeguarding its maritime space,” Achmad added.
Pelindo Develops Maritime Services for Strategic Areas
As part of this effort, Pelindo continues to develop maritime services in strategic areas, one of which is through the operation of the Nipa Transfer Anchorage Area (NTAA) in Nipa Waters, Riau Islands, which began operations in May 2026. These services include ship-to-ship transfers, ship services, and floating storage to support maritime activities around the Strait of Malacca.
“Developing services in the Nipa waters is an important step in strengthening Indonesia’s position in international trade and logistics. This is not just about developing the port business, but part of an effort to bring greater economic benefits to Indonesia,” Achmad continued.
Empowering Indonesian Seafarers
Achmad also emphasized that strengthening maritime services must go hand in hand with increasing the capacity and role of Indonesian seafarers. He believes that the development of pilotage, towing, ship-to-ship transfer, and various other maritime services will provide opportunities for Indonesian seafarers to grow professionally and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Pelindo‘s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s position in international shipping activities in the Strait of Malacca is a significant step towards realizing its vision of becoming a major player in the global maritime industry.
Original Article: Pelindo Supports Economic Potential in the Strait of Malacca, World Seafarers Day — Islnewstv