Indonesia and Australia Strengthen Transport Safety Cooperation

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Australia have reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing transport safety cooperation through the organisation of the Indonesia-Australia Transport Safety Forum, held in Canberra and Sydney, Australia, from 4-8 May 2026. The event serves as a high-level strategic forum in the transport sector within the framework of the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package (ITSAP) between Indonesia and Australia. This forum acts as a platform for strengthening bilateral collaboration to support the creation of a safe, secure, and sustainable transport system. The Indonesian delegation was led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Transportation, Arif Toha, accompanied by the Head of the Centre for Facilitating International Partnerships and Institutions (PFKKI), Amiruddin, Acting Director of the Maritime and Port Supervision Unit (KPLP), Triono, as well as representatives from Basarnas, KNKT, AIRNAV, and related work units. Meanwhile, the Australian delegation was led by the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, Jimm Betts. The forum was also attended by representatives from transport safety authorities, maritime regulators, and relevant stakeholders from both countries. The forum discussed the evaluation of transport safety cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, while also preparing an action plan for the 2026-2027 period. The scope of discussions included various strategic issues, such as maritime safety, maritime environmental protection, improving search and rescue (SAR) coordination, transport incident investigations, strengthening transport safety policies and regulations, and enhancing institutional and human resource capacity in the transport sector. Acting Director of KPLP, Triono, revealed that the forum also included a Subworking Group Meeting between the KPLP Directorate and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). “In that meeting, both parties discussed several follow-up programmes in the field of maritime environmental protection to be implemented collaboratively,” said Triono. The cooperation programmes to be followed up include Basic Equipment Operation (BEO Training), OILMAP Training, SPILL ASIA, National Plan Exercise Australia, Regional MARPOL Exercise, and Oil Sampling Training. “Through this forum, Indonesia and Australia reaffirm their shared commitment to continue strengthening synergy and cooperation in the transport sector, particularly in realising a safe, secure, and sustainable transport system to support regional connectivity and economic growth for both countries,” Triono concluded.