Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is training dozens of sailors from 13 West and Central African nations to strengthen global maritime diplomacy.
The Head of the Transportation Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMP), Djarot Tri Wardhono, stated that the activity is a manifestation of the Triangular Cooperation agreed upon in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) forum.
"So, the goal is to strengthen our role internationally. We are also a partner of the International Maritime Organization. This also plays a role in seeking support for lobbying within the IMO," Wardhono said in Jakarta on Friday.
He explained that the training program includes Training of Trainers (ToT) and Training of Examiners (ToE) based on IMO standards, aimed at preparing professional instructors and examiners in the global maritime sector.
The training involved members of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), including Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Liberia, and Senegal, with a total of 84 selected participants.
Wardhono said that the Ministry of Finance’s International Development Cooperation Fund (LDKPI) provided a budget of Rp18.2 billion (US$1.1 million) to support two training sessions throughout 2025.
"We are collaborating with LDKPI. I would like to thank the Ministry of Finance for entrusting us with the funds to train our colleagues from West and Central Africa," he said.
According to him, this initiative is a strategy to expand Indonesia’s diplomatic network and strengthen the country's position as a Category C member of the IMO Council with support from African countries.
In addition to enhancing technical cooperation, the training also opens new business opportunities for Indonesia’s shipping and maritime technology industry in the African region.
"So, what's the benefit for us? Of course, we are building political engagement with African countries, so we will also have stronger support within the IMO from those countries," he added.
Wardhono hopes the success of this training will serve as a foundation for Indonesia to lead collaboration in developing global maritime human resources and strengthen its strategic role in the IMO international forum.
"Economically, it also strengthens our presence as an IMO member, enhances our human resources in the maritime sector, and improves our competence in educating seafarers and professionals in the maritime industry," Djarot said.
