Indonesia Seeks Support For IMO Council Candidacy

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation will host a diplomatic reception in order to garner support from a number of countries in its bid to become a member of the International Maritime Organizations (IMO) Council C category for the 2018-2019 period.

As one of the world's biggest archipelagic country, Indonesia is fully aware of its roles as a member of the IMO Council, Budi Karya Sumadi said in his opening address in the Ministry's building in Jakarta on Monday.

"The sea has become more than just a commitment to us, it is our passion," Budi remarked, adding that as a country that was once known as the country of sailors, Indonesia understands the importance of the sea and its key role in promoting a nation's welfare.

The minister further stated that their commitment to promote Indonesia's maritime growth has grown stronger since President Joko Widodo highlighted the importance of Indonesia's membership in the IMO during his visit to the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom, in April 2016.

"Being one of the members of the IMO Council can provide Indonesia with privileges in materializing Widodo's vision into actions, bringing benefits not only to Indonesia but also to the international community as well," he noted.

Meanwhile, the Ministry's Director General of Sea Transportation A. Tonny Budiono said that the diplomatic reception, scheduled to be held in the Organization's headquarters in London from Nov 27 to Dec 6, serves as a national event, which is aimed to gain votes from IMO member countries in the upcoming Assembly.

"Up until now, the Indonesian government had received support from a number of countries in the form of both unilateral votes, mutual support in the IMO council, as well as reciprocal support in other international organizations," he remarked.

Indonesia had previously been voted as the Organization's Council member for 20 times ever since it joined the United Nations entity in 1961.

The IMO Council is an executive board under the Organization's Assembly, which is also responsible for policy-making agendas and for reviewing reports submitted by IMO member countries.

The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping and prevention of sea pollution.

The organization houses 172 member countries and three associate members. (WDY)