Indonesia Explores Cooperation With The Netherlands In The Maritime Sector

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is exploring cooperation with the Netherlands in the maritime sector. Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment is exploring cooperation with the Dutch in the maritime sector. The exploration of the cooperation was carried out on the agenda of the 5th Bilateral Maritime Forum (BMF) RI-Netherlands, on Monday, October 16.

Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Coordination, Jodi Mahardi, said that there were three issues discussed in the assessment, namely the development of sustainable ports, renewable maritime energy, as well as sustainable ship buildings and maritime education.

"Today's BMF aims to ensure that this dialogue will strengthen the common benefits for the two countries, namely Indonesia-Netherlands, by discussing three priority sectors for our cooperation," said Jodi.

Regarding the issue of developing sustainable ports and renewable maritime energy), Jodi said, the Indonesian government is very interested in advancing infrastructure and technology for renewable energy sources, such as ups and downs and wind, as well as hydrogen energy.

"For port development, our goal includes world-class transportation, improving the logistics ecosystem, and improving the supply chain while protecting the environment, so that infrastructure and technology development go hand in hand," he said.

Jodi said the potential impact of shipbuilding cooperation with the Netherlands has been enormous. Remember, skilled workers in Indonesia in the technological landscape are growing rapidly. Therefore, he considered, collaboration like this could increase the greatness of the Indonesian ship industry.

In addition, this partnership also presents investment opportunities that are beneficial for Indonesia and the Netherlands. For Indonesia itself, the increase in shipbuilding can encourage growth in Indonesia, which is currently underserved in maritime infrastructure.

"Our collaboration has produced Mini LNG ships, Dragers, Navy warships, and much more. With the right funding, we are ready to strengthen our collaborative efforts, and in this case Indonesia urges the Netherlands to make further improvements," said Jodi.

In line with technological advances and sustainable energy goals, said Jodi, maritime education issues are equally important. Several efforts have been made by Indonesia in terms of maritime education, including through collaborative programs, student exchanges, scholarships, and internships.

Not only that, in today's event, a partnership was also signed regarding the management of fisheries between Ekofish Netherlands and PT Cilacap Samudera Fishing Industry and PT Inti Mas Surya.

"In the field of fisheries, Ekofish and the Secretariat of BMF, the Netherlands is ready to collaborate with Indonesia for sustainable fisheries governance. Previous efforts included visits to the Karangantu Fisheries Port and Nizam Zachman," he said.

Furthermore, Jodi believes this BMF forum will produce something that can be followed up. The application of a common vision requires measurable indicators and schedules, which ensures an improvement in the quality of trade, technology, and human resources.

He considered that this collaboration had enormous potential and provided real benefits for the two countries. According to Jodi, it is time to increase bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands in the maritime sector.

"We welcome and invite further intensification and diversification of Dutch investment in various concrete investment projects in the maritime sector related to Indonesia in order to further reap economic benefits for the two countries," he concluded.