Director General of Sea Transportation at the Transportation Ministry, Antoni Arif Priadi, noted in his office's statement cited here on Wednesday that the initiative was taken during a coffee break of the session.
"We took the initiative to hold a coffee break for all participating delegates, with the objective of promoting the PSSA push for Lombok Strait," Priadi, who led the Indonesian delegation, stated.
On the occasion, he told the attending delegates that Indonesia, as a member of the IMO Council, has firmly committed to strengthening IMO's role as a global maritime body and pursuing safe, secure, and sustainable maritime development.
Baca juga: Indonesia dukung peran perempuan di sektor maritim saat sidang IMO London
The official stated that the expected designation of Nusa Penida and Gili Matra in Lombok Strait as a PSSA would help Indonesia live up to its determination to protect the marine ecosystem.
"It should be noted that the areas lie within the Coral Triangle, a globally recognized center of marine biodiversity that hosts a wide range of coral species," he highlighted.
"Bearing that in mind, Indonesia's wish to stipulate Strait Lombok as a PSSA is expected to advocate the conservation of marine biodiversity in the region," he stated.
He further remarked that a PSSA status for Lombok Strait would bring the international community to realize that the lush area is prone to adverse impacts emerging from an increase in the volume of international shipping.
"We plan on submitting the proposal to the IMO during the 82nd Session of the MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee) in September. For that reason, we are seeking to garner international support during this session," he remarked.
Apart from spotlighting Indonesia's proposal for the PSSA status, Priadi also briefed the participating delegates on measures taken by the Indonesian government to support its maritime programs.
The measures include the implementation of the Inaportnet information system at ports across Indonesia and the issuance of e-signed certificates for sailors.
