Sea Route Safety Must Be a Priority

Viralterkini, id – So far, every maritime accident in North Maluku that results in loss of life is often only treated as mere grief. After prayers and condolences, the problem is considered resolved. There is no open evaluation, no clear corrective steps, and no real policy to minimize the risk of future maritime accidents.

In fact, legally, the state has an absolute obligation to guarantee shipping safety. Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping clearly states that shipping safety and security is the government’s responsibility. This means that every maritime accident is not just a natural disaster, but must also be seen as an indicator of failure of the monitoring and enforcement system.

North Maluku is an archipelagic area, where almost all transportation activities and community mobility depend on sea routes. The sea is not an alternative choice, but rather the main access to life. Ignoring maritime safety means allowing people to continue living in repeated risks, while ignoring the mandate of the law.

To this day, the attention of local governments and related bodies to shipping safety is still minimal. Ships and speedboats that are not fit for operation are still dispatched, supervision is weak, and when accidents occur, handling is often too late. In fact, Government Regulation Number 20 of 2010 concerning Water Transport emphasizes that every ship in operation must meet technical and seaworthy requirements before being granted a sailing permit.

Normatively, a ship’s suitability for sailing must be proven through a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB). SPB can only be issued if the ship meets safety requirements, including good hull and engine condition, complete safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, communication equipment, and the number of passengers does not exceed capacity. If ships that do not meet these requirements still depart, then there has been a serious violation of shipping regulations.

As regional head, the Governor of North Maluku has a strategic role and moral responsibility to ensure that sea routes are managed safely and sustainably. Attention to sea lanes is not enough just in the form of appeals or reactions after tragedies, but must be realized through concrete policies, cross-sector supervision, and firm leadership in enforcing regulations.

In this context, the role of the Maritime and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) becomes very crucial. Based on statutory provisions, KPLP has the authority to supervise shipping safety, check ship seaworthiness, and enforce laws in the shipping sector. When ships that do not meet safety standards are still allowed to sail, the monitoring function is not only weakened, but loses its meaning altogether.

Therefore, the pressure for KPLP to carry out its duties more strictly, professionally and responsibly is very urgent. The technical inspection of a ship should not stop at mere administrative formalities. The issuance of a sailing permit must be truly based on the actual condition of the ship in the field, not just on the completeness of the documents.

KPLP also needs to strengthen supervision in the field and take firm action against any shipping safety violations. Law enforcement must be carried out consistently and transparently. Today’s firmness is not to punish, but to prevent the next victim. Fishermen and island communities must not continue to be the ones who bear the greatest risks from weak systems and allowing violations.

In archipelago areas like North Maluku, the sea is a way of life. So every ship that departs must be truly seaworthy, and every sailing permit must be a guarantee of safety, not just a formality. Maritime safety is a basic right of citizens and a non-negotiable responsibility of the state.

This urge is not just criticism, but a call for responsibility. It is time for the Governor of North Maluku to place sea route safety as the main agenda for regional development, so that every sea journey is no longer a gamble of life and death.

Opinion: Ikrar Muhamad (Head of Maritime Affairs of HMI Ternate Branch)