Legislation review in reconstructing Indonesia’s hub ports policy

Abstract

Indonesia possesses abundant maritime assets, including an extensive coastline and a strategic location along the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Despite these advantages and two decades of government policies (2001–2020) aimed at developing an International Hub Port (IHP), the country has yet to establish a port that meets the criteria necessary to accommodate the latest generation of vessels. This study adopts a qualitative approach, combining archival research, policy analysis, and expert interviews with top executives from Indonesia’s largest state-owned port company, providing diverse perspectives on Indonesia’s hub port development. Archival research examines regulatory shifts over time, while policy analysis and expert insights offer perspectives on logistical competitiveness and infrastructure readiness. The findings highlight the need to strengthen regulatory coherence, establish clear hub port criteria, ensure the continuity of priority programs, and enhance the overall preparedness of Indonesian ports for IHP status. Stakeholders emphasize that existing ports are not yet equipped to function as an international hub. Reducing Indonesia’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs is crucial to enhancing its strategic role in global trade. Immediate collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders is essential to drive the reconstruction of regulatory frameworks, accelerate port modernization, and ensure Indonesia’s readiness as a global hub.