JAKARTA — The Kamar Dagang dan Industri (Kadin) Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian National Shipowners' Association (INSA) and the Ikatan Perusahaan Industri Kapal dan Sarana Lepas Pantai Indonesia (IPERINDO), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Revitalization of Indonesia’s Shipbuilding and Shipping Industry titled “Enhancing Competitiveness and Expanding National Industrial Capacity” at AYANA Midplaza Jakarta on Tuesday (10/02/2026).

The forum brought together business leaders, industry associations, and government stakeholders to discuss strategic measures to strengthen the national maritime industry—ranging from expanding shipyard capacity and reinforcing the domestic shipping sector to developing an integrated supporting industrial ecosystem.

Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie described the meeting as an important momentum that could mark the beginning of a national maritime industry revival.

Anindya—popularly known as Anin—emphasized that shipbuilding and shipping are strategic industries because they are labor-intensive, business-intensive, and technology-intensive, creating broad multiplier effects for the national economy.

“And in my view, this can enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness. Especially since Indonesia has human resources, while maritime industry players globally are currently facing labor shortages,” Anin said.

He also noted that the forum has the potential to evolve beyond a discussion platform into a decision-making arena, given the presence of key maritime stakeholders. He highlighted the strong performance of the national shipping sector, which grew by 8.8% last year—exceeding overall GDP growth—and contributed more than 7.5% to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), excluding supporting industries.

“This truly is one of Indonesia’s economic engines,” he added.

Anin further stressed that shipbuilding and shipping absorb skilled and vocational workers while generating large-scale employment opportunities. Drawing from experiences of advanced economies, he pointed out that shipbuilding can serve as a “mother industry,” spawning various derivative industries and accelerating national industrialization.

Job creation, he reaffirmed, remains Kadin’s top priority following the 2025 National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas), to be achieved through higher productivity, expanded trade, increased investment, and innovation.

“Hopefully, this will bring us closer to Indonesia Emas 2045,” Anin concluded.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia’s Advisory Board Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo underscored the vast potential of shipbuilding and shipping to drive national economic growth due to their labor-intensive nature and extensive economic linkages.

He highlighted the importance of leveraging current government support—including new leadership in fiscal and customs sectors—to accelerate domestic production capacity. Hashim also revealed government direction to prioritize domestic shipbuilding, particularly for strategic national needs.

“All ships owned by Pertamina must be built domestically,” he stated.

However, Hashim reminded shipyard operators to improve efficiency, quality, and timeliness to ensure competitiveness and maintain user trust.

He also pointed to growing global demand for shipbuilding capacity and skilled maritime labor as a strategic opportunity for Indonesia. Government-backed fiscal incentives and eased import procedures for certain components are being prepared to accelerate industry expansion.

“There is political will—from the government and from the President. Let us seize this opportunity,” Hashim urged.

According to Hashim, fiscal incentives may include reduced import duties—potentially down to 0%—for key ship components, as well as incentives for new vessel orders placed at domestic shipyards.

Among the speakers were Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti, INSA Vice Chairman Go Darmadi, and Kadin Indonesia Coordinating Vice Chairman for Legal Affairs and Infrastructure M. Azis Syamsuddin as moderator.

Also present were INSA Chairwoman and Kadin Vice Chair for Infrastructure Carmelita Hartoto, Kadin Vice Chair for Industry Saleh Husin, Vice Chair for Downstreaming Tony Wenas, Vice Chair for National Planning Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid, IPERINDO Chairwoman Anita Puji Utami, President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Mars Ega Legowo Putra, President Director of PT PAL Indonesia Kaharuddin Djenod, and Governor of East Kalimantan Rudy Mas'ud.