Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry has launched a program to enhance the competencies and professionalism of 143 marine inspectors to help ensure safe and reliable sea transportation services during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
“This is part of efforts to maintain the quality of vessel inspection and safety oversight while supporting preparations for the 2026 Christmas, 2027 New Year, and 2027 Eid al-Fitr transportation periods,” said Gigih Retnowati, secretary of the Sea Transportation Directorate General.
Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, she said marine inspectors play a strategic role in ensuring that vessels in operation are seaworthy and comply with national and international regulations, adding that the work demands competency, integrity, and attention to detail.
“Inspections must not stop at administrative formalities; they must be carried out diligently and professionally, with sound technical judgment. This is crucial to ensuring the safety of passengers, crew members, the marine environment, and property,” she said.
Retnowati further noted that the capacity-building program, referred to by the ministry as revalidation, is intended to help marine inspectors refresh and deepen their understanding of national and international seaworthiness regulations.
She added that the initiative is also expected to enhance inspectors’ awareness of the various challenges and operational needs encountered in the field.
The official emphasized that strengthening inspectors’ competencies is particularly important in anticipation of increased passenger movement during the year-end holiday season and next year’s Eid al-Fitr travel period.
“It is vital to ensure that every vessel in operation meets seaworthiness requirements, has safety equipment in proper working order, and is staffed by crews that are prepared to respond to emergency situations,” she said.
She also urged all marine inspectors to perform their duties professionally and with meticulous attention to detail to support safe and orderly maritime transport operations.
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Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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