EYEWITNESS NEWS – NUSADUA
Indonesia, through the Indonesian Maritime Pilots Association (INAMPA), has been entrusted by the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) to host the 27th IMPA Congress in 2026. The congress is a routine biennial agenda organized by IMPA to update developments in the Ship Pilotage Industry in supporting ship safety and security while navigating shipping lanes and ports across the globe.
The International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), headquartered in London, is the official organization for Maritime Pilots worldwide and a strategic partner of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMPA provides the definition of a Maritime Pilot as follows: “The Maritime Pilot is a highly qualified professional mariner with specialised experience, knowledge and skills. Pilotage as a high level public safety service must be regulated by the state. Safety shall not be compromised by competition, commercial pressures of market forces”.
The designation of Indonesia/INAMPA as the host for the 27th IMPA Congress in 2026 was based on the decision of the IMPA Executive Committee Meeting and the acclamation approval of congress delegates during the 26th Congress held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, which was also attended by INAMPA.
The Indonesian Maritime Pilots’ Association (INAMPA) is a legally incorporated organization of Indonesian Maritime Pilot Officers that possesses professional ethics, independence, democracy, and accountability. It holds national and international credibility under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia c.q.
Directorate General of Sea Transportation. Furthermore, INAMPA serves as a platform for Indonesian Maritime Pilot Officers to develop professional expertise and exchange information regarding the pilotage profession. INAMPA has been affiliated with IMPA and its membership recognized since 2017 to date.
The 27th IMPA Congress is being held at The Apurva Kempinski Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali – Indonesia, from August 23 to 28, 2026, and is attended by more than ±500 participants, consisting of:
• International Participants,
Number of Countries 38,
Delegates 214,
Accompanying Persons 119
Total Participants 333
• Domestic Participants, consisting of:
• Indonesian Pilot Officers: ±67 people
• Government agencies
• Maritime State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs / BUMN)
• Port Enterprises (BUP)
• Maritime/Pilotage Educational Institutions
• Other related maritime associations (Total Domestic Participants: 100 People).
The congress program is divided into several sessions over 5 days, starting with the opening on the first day, August 24, 2026, by the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Indonesia, followed by the congress sessions. In between congress sessions, delegates and accompanying persons will take part in a Cultural Day program, featuring tours to various tourist destinations in Bali.
This congress aims to showcase the natural beauty of Bali, a world-famous tourist destination. As a closing event, the committee has prepared a Gala Dinner for all delegates and accompanying persons.
The IMPA Bali 2026 Congress features ±25 international speakers from various maritime nations, covering current topics in the maritime industry, including:
• Maritime Safety
• Maritime Technology
• Maritime Business
• Maritime Navigation Systems
• Shipping and Maritime Industry
• Human Capital Development
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Best Practices in Ship Pilotage
For domestic speakers, the Operations Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia – Mr. Prasetyadi, presents material on port developments in Indonesia.
Alongside the 27th IMPA Congress, a maritime exhibition is being held featuring domestic and international exhibitors, particularly those related to ship pilotage and towage services, such as:
• TIdalis Americas L – Netherlands
• Trelleborg Marine – Sweden
• North River Boats – United States
• Cartello s.r.l. a Socio Unico – Italy
• Pelindo Group (Regional III, Pelindo Jasa Maritim, & Pelindo Terminal Petikemas) – Indonesia
• QPS Company – Netherlands
• Future Safety Limited – United Kingdom
• Artelia – France
• Navicom Dynamics – New Zealand
• AD Navigation AS – Norway
• Hart Marine – Australia
• Abeking & Rasmussen – Germany
• Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) – Indonesia
• PT. Primus – Indonesia
For this 27th Congress, IMPA-INAMPA has established the congress theme: “Navigating Maritime Safety Towards Global Sustainability”. This aligns with INAMPA’s role in supporting government maritime initiatives through Pilot Officers providing professional field services, with duties and responsibilities including:
• Maritime Safety for all serviced vessels.
• Maritime Security while on duty aboard ships, maintaining vigilance and concern for vessel security during navigation, while continuously coordinating with security personnel at ports and shipping channels.
• Maritime Environment Protection against activities that cause marine pollution during navigation.
• Maritime Sustainability, where pilot officers continuously enhance competencies, adapt to technological advancements, regulations, and market trends, while prioritizing soft skills application.
Preparations for the 27th IMPA Bali 2026 Congress began in early 2025 with the establishment of the organizing committee comprising Indonesian Pilot Officers. The event’s success relies on solid teamwork and continuous updates to planned timelines.
Under the direct leadership of INAMPA President, Mr. Pasoroan Herman Harianja, the committee has prepared all materials and coordinated with various stakeholders to ensure a seamless international event.
“The outputs and outcomes of the 27th IMPA Congress in Bali will deliver extensive benefits for all participants regarding capacity building, professional networking, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” stated Capt. Agoes Soeryanto, Secretary of the Congress Committee and Public Relations representative.
The National Organizing Committee for the 27th IMPA Congress 2026 in Bali is structured as follows:
• a. Advisor / Person in Charge: Pasoroan Herman Harianja
• b. Committee Chairman: Capt. Syamsul Maarif
• c. Vice Chairman: Capt. Medi Kusmana
• d. Secretary & Public Relations: Capt. Agoes Soeryanto
• e. Event Division: Capt. Fandy Andi Syaripuddin
• f. Foreign Relations Division: Capt. Dedik Harjito
Reporter : Daniel Herry
