ASEAN Countries Launch Ro-Ro Container Network, Indonesia Leads the Way

Jakarta –

Indonesia and ASEAN countries operate a roll-on/roll-off (roro) container network. One of them is the Ro-Ro boat cruise on the Dumai-Melaka route, which is still in the passenger terminal construction stage and is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Ministry of Transport cq. The Director General of Maritime Transport at the 46th meeting of the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 6-8 May 2024, explained several proposals and developments in Indonesian maritime transport.

These proposals and improvements were presented by Lollan Panjaitan, Secretary of the General Directorate of Transport as the head of the delegation of the Republic of Indonesia. The important thing discussed at the meeting was the ASEAN Single Shipping Market (ASSM) agenda. Member states are expected to provide the most up-to-date information on national coordination mechanisms regarding the development of port and road infrastructure, as well as plans to develop ports with better access.

Several maritime transport developments were presented at the event, one of which was the operation of a Ro-Ro shipping network in ASEAN. This activity is a statement that Indonesia fully supports projects that can improve the global economy.

The Ro-Ro boat trip on the Dumai-Melaka route is still in the passenger terminal construction stage and is expected to be completed in June 2024. In addition, Lollan also explained that Indonesia is currently preparing the Dumai-Melaka RoRo Task Force in collaboration with related ministries or institutions. Lollan also explained that Malaysia should form a joint task force from the two countries to speed up this problem.

Lollan also explained regarding the Bitung-Davao Ro-Ro route that it was found that a large number of people were moving during certain times, such as Christmas, Eid al-Fitr and school holidays. Migrants move between the two countries.

Seeing this situation, Lollan said that he should consider the transport of people and goods not only limited to Ro-Ro ships, but also improved by using non-convection ships. This reinforces the reason why Indonesia created a joint task force.

In addition, Indonesia appreciates and thanks Indonesia’s participation in the ASean Regional Training Center for VTS (ARTV) held at the MATRAIN Marine Division in Malaysia. Lollan said Indonesia fully encourages and supports ARTV for Phase 5 and supports efforts to increase VTS Operator capacity through other programs with ASEAN member countries.

Another development that Lollan revealed at the event was that Indonesia has 2 training institutes, namely BPPTL and BP3IP that have been accredited to implement VTS training in Indonesia.

Another thing that was explained at the meeting was the development of Eco Ports in Indonesia. Lollan presented Indonesia’s views on the importance of implementing carbon neutral ports in all ports in Indonesia. This is regulated in the Order of the Minister of Transport No. KM 8 of 2024 regarding the Determination of Climate Change Mitigation Activities in the Department of Transport to Support the Achievement of National Contribution Targets.

This development is supported by collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in the Port Technology Group. Indonesia will develop the concept of Carbon Neutral Port Directive and take into account input from ASEAN countries. Lollan also expressed his support for environmentally friendly fuel policies in shipping and maritime transport.

In addition, the Indonesian delegation expressed its support for the signing of the MoU between ASEAN and IMO regarding Future Cooperation in the Maritime Sector in the Asia-Pacific Region. Cooperation in the blue economy sector includes development in the sectors of aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, biotechnology, marine and fresh water research and education, and other sectors.

During the meeting, Lollan hoped that ASEAN and IMO would continue to strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector to develop maritime transport and strong links in the ASEAN region and beyond.

(rrd/rir)