Omnibus Law on Maritime Affairs to Bring Decision-Making Through 'One Door'

Diana Mariska
January 7, 2020 | 7:23 pm
SHARE
Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) officers search for victims after a Dominican Republic ship, the JBB DE Rong 19, collided with Indonesian tanker MV Kartika Jaya in the Singapore Strait in 2017. (Antara Photo/M.N. Kanwa)
Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) officers search for victims after a Dominican Republic ship, the JBB DE Rong 19, collided with Indonesian tanker MV Kartika Jaya in the Singapore Strait in 2017. (Antara Photo/M.N. Kanwa)

Jakarta. Several ministries and government institutions are in discussion to formulate a new omnibus bill to sort out overlapping responsibilities and authorities in Indonesia's maritime affairs and strengthen the country's coast guard, officials said on Tuesday. 

The plan was made public on Tuesday after the Indonesian military (TNI) was involved in a standoff with Chinese coast guard escorting fishing boats into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan said one of the main goals of the omnibus bill is to install the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) as Indonesia's only coast guard, a role now held by the Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) of the Transportation Ministry.

The KPLP lacks firepower as all the country's warships are under the command of the Indonesian Navy.  

Advertisement

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud M.D. also held his own meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday to discuss the plan with institutions including the Immigration Office and the Bakamla. 

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had ordered the two ministers to prepare a new regulation to solve Indonesia's maritime problems.

According to Mahfud, during a cabinet meeting in December the president complained of an overlap in responsibilities and authorities between at least seven maritime institutions, including the Bakamla, the Water Police and the Indonesian Navy.

"We have several laws in place already and all of them have the right philosophy. However, we need more synergy. An omnibus law will give us that," Mahfud said. 

The plan is the latest move in the government's sweeping regulatory reform – the brainchild of President Jokowi. 

The Jokowi administration wants to propose a so-called omnibus bill to revise hundreds of conflicting articles in numerous existing laws simultaneously.

The government had already planned to submit the bills on job creation, taxation and small and medium enterprise empowerment.

It has the option of submitting an omnibus bill on maritime affairs to the House of Representatives or issuing a government regulation in lieu-of-law to bypass deliberation with the lawmakers.  

Mahfud said 24 laws related to maritime issues were discussed in Tuesday's meeting, with more to follow.  

The first time it was discussed last month, 17 laws were being considered, he said.

Since each institution is governed by its own regulation, Mahfud said there had been cases when an investigation had to end abruptly because another agency felt it had the authority to stop the case.

The omnibus law is expected to bring all decision-making processes related to maritime affairs, including in defense and security, through "one door."

"We hope we can complete the bill this year since the president had been waiting for two and a half years for it to happen," Mahfud said.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


Business 22 hours ago

Benzoin Resin Touted as Next Big Commodity in Indonesia’s Downstream Strategy

Luhut Pandjaitan says benzoin resin, or kemenyan, holds untapped potential for Indonesia’s downstream strategy and rural economic growth.
Business May 23, 2025 | 10:08 am

Luhut Proposes $1 Billion Joint Investment Between Indonesia’s Danantara and China’s Sovereign Wealth Entities

During a high-level meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Luhut proposed the creation of a joint sovereign wealth initiative.
Tech Mar 20, 2025 | 12:12 am

Prabowo to Launch GovTech Super App, Requiring Every Family to Have a Bank Account

“Based on our initial calculations, digitalization could save us Rp 100 trillion ($6 billion) in unnecessary spending,” Luhut said.
Business Mar 12, 2025 | 8:42 pm

Government Forms Special Team to Review Regulations Hindering Investments

Luhut noted that several investment-related policies are considered unfavorable to investors and should be abolished or revised.
Business Feb 27, 2025 | 9:57 am

Luhut: Indonesia Must Guard Textile Industry from China’s Export Surge

Despite rising layoffs and global challenges, the textile sector remains a key economic driver, employing nearly 4 million workers
Business Feb 18, 2025 | 5:40 pm

UAE Eyes Joint Venture with Danantara for Renewable Energy Project

An Emirati investor will invest in Indonesia’s renewable energy power generation, senior economic advisor Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says.
Business Feb 18, 2025 | 3:56 pm

Luhut Reassures Public on Danantara as Calls to Withdraw Funds from State Banks Rise

DEN Chief Luhut reassures the public about Danantara’s stability as concerns grow over calls to withdraw funds from state-owned bank
Tech Feb 18, 2025 | 3:14 pm

Indonesia to Develop Its Very Own DeepSeek, Luhut Says

Senior economic advisor Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says that a group of Indonesian young talents are working on Jakarta's version of DeepSeek.
Business Feb 1, 2025 | 10:53 am

Indonesia Secures UAE Partnership in Key Sectors, Including $50M Reforestation Grant

The UEA is set to invest in Indonesia’s green energy, housing, and defense sectors, along with a $50 million donation for reforestation.
Tech Jan 16, 2025 | 10:03 am

Luhut Unveils Plan for Semiconductor Special Economic Zone in Bandung

Indonesia plans to create a special economic zone (SEZ) for semiconductor chip development at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).

The Latest


News 4 hours ago

Ohtani Nears Return to Mound, Will Face Hitters in Rehab Sunday

Shohei Ohtani will face hitters Sunday for the first time since elbow surgery, marking a major step in his pitching rehab with the Dodgers.
News 6 hours ago

Nine Indonesians Blocked from Unauthorized Hajj Trip via Medan Airport

Nine Indonesians were stopped at Medan Airport while trying to travel to Hajj using work visas, violating Saudi Arabia’s entry rules.
News 7 hours ago

Pacers Inches Closer to NBA Finals as Siakam Dominates in Game 2

Pascal Siakam scores 39 as the Pacers beat the Knicks 114-109 in Game 2, taking a 2-0 lead in the East Finals ahead of Game 3 in Indy.
News 7 hours ago

Indonesia Ready to Welcome Premier Li Qiang in Show of Stronger Ties

China’s Premier Li Qiang begins a 3-day visit to Indonesia, with bilateral talks and a state lunch with President Prabowo on the agenda.
News 7 hours ago

Indonesia to Reintroduce Electricity Discounts for Low-Power Users Starting June

Indonesia to resume electricity discounts on June 5, targeting homes under 1,300 VA, part of a stimulus plan to ease living costs.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED