What is the size of Indonesia's shipping fleet?

The number of national shipping fleets experienced significant growth between 2005 and 2015. In 2005, the number of shipping fleets in Indonesia was only 6,041, but by 2015 it had increased to 16,574 vessels. However, most Indonesian shipping fleets consist of small-capacity vessels, making them uncompetitive against foreign ships. Besides the lack of large-capacity vessels, the depth of Indonesian ports is also insufficient to accommodate large vessels.

In Indonesia's Balance of Payments (BOP), the services account consistently shows a deficit caused by the maritime shipping sector. Indonesia's reliance on foreign shipping services for international import-export activities reaches 95 percent. Meanwhile, the market share of foreign vessels for domestic sea transport reaches 40 percent. A study by the Ministry of Finance even states that foreign vessels control 78 percent of the number of ships, 94 percent of cargo capacity, and 90 percent of export-import cargo. Although domestic shipping is 100 percent served by domestic fleets, these vessels are still largely foreign-made, either through charter or leasing arrangements.

Under President Joko Widodo's administration, the development of maritime infrastructure has been initiated, known as the "Sea Toll" program. This aligns with Indonesia's archipelagic nature. This policy has yielded results, leading to lower prices for goods in eastern Indonesia and remote areas.