Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Transportation Ministry, through the Makassar Merchant Marine Polytechnic (PIP), is committed to generating reliable human resources as part of efforts to build national shipping, an official has said.

"Merchant Marine Polytechnics, including PIP Makassar, have an important role in creating quality, reliable, innovative, creative, and competitive human resources both nationally and internationally," acting head of the Transportation Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMP), Capt. Arif Priadi, said in a written statement here on Tuesday.

The efforts for building human resources are aimed at realizing connectivity and safety of shipping, he added.

Overseen by the Ministry of Transportation, PIP Makassar focuses on sea transportation studies. It is the oldest merchant marine education institution in Indonesia and is preparing to mark its century on October 13, 2021.

PIP Makassar, as the oldest shipping college, has a long history and has contributed tremendously to grooming the nation's merchant marines, Priadi added.

Despite having a long history in the field of marine transportation education, PIP Makassar has continued to innovate for developing excellent, professional, and ethical sailors, he added.

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PIP Makassar has also adopted information technology in the business process, especially for realizing Society 5.0, he said.

Society 5.0 refers to a society that has reached a balance between technology and economic systems, which are integrated online and offline, he explained.

"This is in line with the government's strategic program and the direction of the Minister of Transportation that the quality of the human resources is the backbone of the transportation sector progress," he added.

As a polytechnic, since 2014, PIP Makassar has been accredited "B" by the National Accreditation Board of Higher Education (BAN PT) for three study programs. In August 2021, the Nautical Science Study Program received A (superior) accreditation.

The accreditation of the Marine and Port Engineering Study Program as well as the institution is still in process.
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Translator: Ahmad W, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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