BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - The Aceh Provincial Government is accelerating the drafting of a Governor's Regulation (Ranpergub) as a strategic step toward establishing an international shipping route connecting Krueng Geukueh Port in North Aceh with Penang, Malaysia. The Aceh government sees the maritime link as a new opportunity to expand trade while strengthening economic ties between Aceh and Malaysia.
Acting Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Government, Taufik, S.T., M.Si., said the accelerated drafting of the regulation reflects the commitment of the Aceh administration under the leadership of Governor Muzakir Manaf, popularly known as Mualem. The Aceh government intends to utilize the maritime route as one of the drivers of economic connectivity and interregional trade.
Taufik called on all relevant agencies to immediately complete each stage of the regulatory process so that the planned shipping connection between Aceh and Penang can be implemented according to schedule. He said a clear legal framework is an essential prerequisite for cooperation between the provincial government and regional enterprises in establishing the international shipping route.
Aceh Strengthens the Legal Framework
Taufik made the statement during a meeting to prepare for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to be held jointly with the Directorate of Regional Finance and Regional Enterprises at the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri).
The meeting was attended by, among others, Aceh Provincial Government Assistant II for Economic and Development Affairs, T. Robby Irza; Head of the Aceh Transportation Agency, Teuku Faisal; Head of the Aceh Industry and Trade Agency, Adi Darma; Head of the Legal Bureau, Amrizal J Prang; and other relevant agencies.
The Aceh government is preparing the FGD to discuss various regulatory aspects and cooperation models to support the planned international shipping route. The discussion will also cover fiscal and business relations between the Aceh government and regional enterprises that will be involved in operating the route or representing regional interests.
"The Ranpergub currently being drafted will later serve as the legal framework governing the fiscal and business relations between the Aceh government and a regional enterprise, in this case PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA)," said Acting Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Government Taufik.
The Aceh government is also clearly distinguishing between the authorities of the regional and central governments in establishing international shipping routes. The Ministry of Transportation remains responsible for approving maritime transportation services and managing ports.
The Directorate General of Sea Transportation at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has already signaled its support for coordination efforts to establish a direct shipping connection between Aceh and Penang. The support is regarded as an important component of Aceh's preparations for developing an international maritime route from North Aceh.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR FISCAL AND BUSINESS RELATIONS: Acting Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Government Taufik, S.T., M.Si., explains that the Ranpergub will serve as the legal framework governing fiscal and business relations between the Aceh government and PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA). (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Krueng Geukueh Has a History of International Trade
Assistant II of the Aceh Provincial Government Secretariat, T. Robby Irza, said Krueng Geukueh Port already has a historical basis for handling international trade. According to him, the port has been open to foreign trade since the issuance of a Joint Ministerial Decree by three ministers (SKB Tiga Menteri) in 1985.
This historical development provides an important basis for discussions on the planned resumption or strengthening of international trade connectivity through Krueng Geukueh Port. At the same time, the government must ensure that all requirements for international shipping operations comply with applicable regulations before the route begins operating.
Robby explained that port infrastructure readiness is one of the key considerations. In this regard, PT Pelindo, as the port operator, needs to improve various supporting facilities at Krueng Geukueh Port to ensure the port is prepared to accommodate international shipping services.
The improvement of facilities is intended not only to enhance user convenience but also to ensure the port's ability to handle vessel traffic as well as cargo and passenger movements in accordance with international standards. Therefore, coordination among the Aceh government, the port operator, relevant ministries and other stakeholders will be an important part of the preparation process.
In addition to port infrastructure, the government must ensure that vessels operating on the Aceh-Penang route meet international maritime safety standards. The vessels must comply with the requirements of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
COMPLIANCE WITH MARITIME SAFETY STANDARDS: Assistant II of the Aceh Provincial Government Secretariat T. Robby Irza explains that the readiness of Krueng Geukueh Port and compliance with international maritime safety standards are key requirements for establishing the Aceh-Penang route. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Cross-Border Vehicle Transport Regulations Under Review
The planned shipping connection between Aceh and Penang involves more than simply operating vessels between two ports. The government must also prepare an appropriate legal framework should the route eventually include cross-border vehicle transportation between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Robby explained that, from a technical perspective, all types of vessels could potentially operate on the route. However, a model involving cross-border vehicle transportation would still require a specific bilateral agreement.
"Although technically all types of vessels may operate on the route, a model involving cross-border vehicle transportation between Indonesia and Malaysia still requires a specific bilateral agreement. This is because the ASEAN cooperation framework does not automatically regulate cross-border transportation of land vehicles," T. Robby explained.
The Aceh government is therefore not only seeking to establish a regional legal framework but must also ensure that the planned shipping connection complies with national regulations and intergovernmental agreements. The provincial government must align the Ranpergub with the authority of the central government, particularly in the areas of maritime transportation and port management.
The establishment of a direct connection between Aceh and Penang through Krueng Geukueh Port is expected to strengthen Aceh's economic connectivity with Malaysia. The route could also boost foreign trade, expand access to new markets, and improve the mobility of residents and business communities in both regions.
The accelerated drafting of the Ranpergub is currently among the priorities of the Aceh government. Through coordination among various agencies and consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant ministries, the government aims to ensure that every aspect-from regulations and institutional authorities to port infrastructure and maritime safety-has a clear legal basis before the international route is officially launched. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala