Deputy Minister Ensures Shipping Sector Fully Supports Exports via Danantara

Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana has assured that the shipping sector is ready to fully support President Prabowo Subianto’s policy to optimise strategic commodity exports through a single gateway via PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) in order to increase state revenue. The Deputy Minister emphasised that the Directorate General of Sea Transportation plays a strategic role as the frontline in issuing Sailing Approval Letters (SPB) for commercial vessels. “This is a challenge from the Head of State for us. Because we are in that position. We are the frontline, issuing the SPB which states how many tonnes,” said the Deputy Minister during the 2026 Seafarers’ Day commemoration in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to the Deputy Minister, the President is targeting the transportation sector for export commodities such as coal, crude palm oil (CPO), and ferro alloy to generate a minimum of 65 billion US dollars in foreign exchange annually. He stated that the policy has far greater potential, with state revenues possibly reaching around 150 billion US dollars if optimised to the maximum. The potential revenue of up to approximately Rp2,600 trillion is seen as a major opportunity to strengthen national development financing while improving the welfare of the Indonesian people. “The President said, minimally from the transportation sector, from transporting palm oil, coal and others, at least 65 billion US dollars per year, with the potential to make state revenue 150 billion dollars. That is equivalent to Rp2,600 trillion, higher than Thailand’s state budget,” the Deputy Minister explained. Therefore, he requested all Heads of Harbourmaster and Port Authority Offices (KSOP) and field officers to support the government’s policy with full commitment and to avoid any irregularities in carrying out their duties. “So, friends in the field, the KSOPs, I ask you to commit to this, to support the government. Do not play games,” Suntana stressed. He noted that the integrity of the apparatus is key so that the potential state revenue from export activities can be maximised without leakages that harm the state and society. The Deputy Minister reminded that the optimisation of exports from the shipping sector currently only covers a few commodities, meaning the opportunity to increase foreign exchange in other sectors remains very large. “That is only a few sectors. Not to mention other sectors that are included in the single-gate export at DSI. So, if we can support that, we can improve the economy. And that is not yet from other sectors,” he elaborated. He asserted that the SPB issuance service will continue to be strengthened by using previous issues as evaluation material. Suntana also requested all sea transportation ranks to safeguard the institution by strengthening internal supervision and ensuring every public service runs according to applicable regulations. The Deputy Minister stressed that every employee has the responsibility to maintain public trust and ensure the sea transportation sector becomes a primary supporter of national economic growth. He invited all shipping personnel to foster a sense of pride in their profession by upholding ethics, professionalism, and integrity in every service duty. He stated that the shipping sector’s contribution is not only in maintaining national logistics fluidity but also plays an important role in increasing state revenue through efficient export activities. The Deputy Minister is optimistic that the full support of the shipping ranks for the President’s policy will strengthen Indonesia’s export competitiveness while encouraging sustainable economic growth and development. “Sea transportation participates in national development, in building the nation, and in contributing to state revenue. That is what we can do as a manifestation of our pride in our nation and country,” said the Deputy Minister.