Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Transportation Ministry of Indonesia echoed the country's commitment to strengthening the shipping industry and women's role in the maritime sector during the 73rd Session of the Technical Cooperation Committee in London, the United Kingdom.

Indonesia is represented by the ministry's Directorate General of Sea Transportation at the event being held on October 16-19 at the Headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In a statement received here on Tuesday, Transportation Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in London Barkah Bayu Mirajaya noted that the event served as an important platform for IMO member states to increase technical insights on creating safe and efficient operation of the shipping industry.

"The TC (Technical Cooperation Committee) was formed to assist the governments of IMO members in dealing with technical issues that may occur in the shipping industry activities," Mirajaya, as the leader of the Indonesian delegation, stated.

He further explained that the 73rd Session of the TC focuses on discussing technical cooperation programs between IMO and its member states, adding that the programs are aimed at supporting the implementation of IMO's regulations, especially in developing countries.

By implementing various programs, the IMO also seeks to bolster women's role in the maritime sector, he added.

"The Indonesian government has been actively involved in various capacity-building activities under IMO's integrated technical cooperation programme. Moreover, Indonesia has participated in other capacity-building activities, such as MEPSEAS (Marine Environmental Protection of the Southeast Asian Seas) Project and GloFouling Project," he stated.

Mirajaya then said that Indonesia is currently striving to get re-elected as a category C member of the IMO Council for the 2024-2025 term.

Category C members of the IMO Council are countries that have special interests in maritime transport and navigation and can represent all of the world's major geographic areas.

To succeed in the election, Indonesia has taken various steps, such as holding a coffee break during the 129th session of the IMO Council that took place in London on July 17-21 this year, he stated.

The election will be discussed on Thursday (October 19), the last day of the 73rd session of the TC.

"Hopefully, Indonesia's active role in the TC, as evidenced by its participation in capacity-building activities, can help the shipping industry bolster its capacity as well as further strengthen the role of women in the maritime sector," he remarked.

He then expressed belief that Indonesia can contribute to the global efforts to augment the safety and efficiency of the shipping industry.

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Translator: Benardy F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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