Indonesia is enhancing its capabilities and preparedness in facing the challenges of threats associated with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This effort aims not only to protect the country's maritime assets, but also to ensure the safety and security of seafarers and port service users.

Since the ISPS Code came into force on July 1, 2004, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) as Designated Authority has continuously strived to ensure optimal implementation of international security rules on ships and port facilities. 

"The ISPS Code provides a strong foundation in regulating and implementing effective security measures. This not only has a positive impact on port facilities in Indonesia but also reflects the government's commitment to maintaining the security of all maritime infrastructure in the eyes of the world," said Director of KPLP (Kesatuan Penjagaan Laut dan Pantai/Sea and Coast Guard Unit) of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Jon Kenedi in his statement, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

To this end, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation is collaborating with the US Embassy to Indonesia to organize a Water Safety Training and Seminar in Surabaya from June 11 to 13, 2024.

62 people were also present at the event, including 4 Major Ports and Port Authorities (KSOP), ISPS Code Auditors, Disnav Surabaya, Tanjung Perak PLP Base, Police, TNI Cyber Unit, Ministry of Defense, Lantamal V Surabaya, State Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), State Intelligence Agency (BIN), East Java Customs & Excise, PT Pelindo I-IV, shipping companies, port facility parties, and Recognized Security Organizations.

Maritime Security Exercise & Workshop is a workshop and simulation on how to act on security threats to ships and port facilities. 

"Cooperation in the form of exercises & workshops with the American Embassy is a tangible manifestation of the Directorate of KPLP's commitment to strengthening synergies between institutions and between countries and increasing our capabilities and preparedness from challenges and threats related to the ISPS Code," he said.

Decisive action and collaboration from all relevant parties are needed to address increasingly complex maritime security challenges. In addition, he hopes that this workshop, which involves practitioners from the ranks of the US government, will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of best practices and creative strategies for managing the security of ships and port facilities. 

"This workshop is also a valuable opportunity for us to exchange knowledge, experience, information and the latest technology to improve the professionalism and quality of security services in the maritime sector," he added.

According to Jonathan Alan, the US Consul General in Surabaya, Indonesia and the United States have a strong diplomatic relationship that has existed for a long time, as well as a relationship in terms of safeguarding the maritime world.

"In implementing the ISPS Code, a new consistency and breakthrough is needed in creating optimal port facility security which will ultimately have a positive impact on Indonesian maritime," he said.

Therefore, Jonathan stated that the United States would be very open if cooperation with Indonesia could be enhanced in terms of scenario planning, coordination, and logistics.

"In the future, we also plan to send more delegates to Indonesia to share knowledge related to the ISPS Code. This also marks the celebration of the 75-year partnership between the US and Indonesia," he said.

Source : https://economy.okezone.com