Expert: Maritime Manifests Must Be Monitored to Prevent Accidents

Maritime manifests must be carefully monitored, as they frequently become a source of significant problems and accidents, stated transport expert Djoko Setijowarno.

Speaking during a webinar organised by the Indonesian Transport Society (MTI) in Jakarta, Setijowarno stressed that these manifests require serious attention. As an advisor to the MTI, he explained that a lack of proper control over manifests leads to prolonged issues within the industry.

Setijowarno cited PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) as a successful example of an organisation that has overcome past mismanagement by successfully implementing strict manifest controls. He noted that while such transitions are not instantaneous due to human resistance, the current digital era makes implementation much easier, provided there is the political and organisational will to do so.

Furthermore, the expert suggested that the maritime sector should implement a ‘regulated agent’ system, mirroring the framework used in the aviation sector, as a vital foundation for transforming shipping safety. He argued that adapting this concept from aviation to sea transport is essential.

In a related observation, Soerjanto revealed that investigations into ship fire accidents between 2014 and 2026 showed that out of 19 incidents, only three originated from the ships themselves, while 16 were caused by the cargo, such as trucks or vehicles. He emphasised that many recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) focus on the need for better supervision and control. He concluded that improving oversight and the enforcement of existing regulations could address approximately 72 per cent of the primary safety issues in maritime transport.