by Setyawati Fitrianggraeni and Tiara Amanda Putri
Overview
Circular Letter No. SE-DJPL 37 of 2025 requires all Indonesian-flagged vessels to use pollution prevention equipment with an official Type Approval certificate issued by the Director General of Sea Transportation.(1) The regulation implements Article 4 of Ministerial Regulation No. 49 of 2021, which delegates the testing and certification of ship equipment and components to the Maritime Safety Technology Center (BTKP) to ensure onboard equipment quality standards.(1)
More broadly, this policy strengthens the implementation of the MARPOL 73/78 international convention in protecting the maritime environment from pollution arising from both operational activities and maritime accidents.(2) Through this standardization, pollution prevention equipment is expected to comply with vessel seaworthiness requirements and function effectively in accordance with established technical standards, supporting the broader objective of protecting Indonesia’s marine ecosystems from pollution resulting from shipping activities.(1)
Key Highlights
- Mandatory Digitalization through SIMAKESPEL
All shipowners, shipyards, and manufacturers are required to submit applications and verify the conformity of pollution prevention equipment data through the official SIMAKESPEL portal https://simakespel.kemenhub.go.id (1) This requirement is intended to establish a transparent database and ensure that all installed equipment meets the technical standards prescribed by BTKP.(1)
- Coverage of 10 Key Equipment Categories
The certification covers critical equipment, including Oil Water Separators (OWS), Oil Discharge Monitoring (ODM) systems, Sewage Treatment Plants, and Ballast Water Treatment Systems.(1) The use of equipment such as Oil Water Separators (OWS) and Oil Discharge Monitoring (ODM) systems is essential to ensure that oily waste discharges do not exceed the internationally accepted limit of 15 ppm.(3)
- Authority to Suspend Safety Certification
Technical Implementation Units (UPTs) and Recognized Organizations (ROs) are instructed to temporarily suspend the ship safety certification process if the use or replacement of pollution prevention equipment is found to involve devices that do not hold valid Type Approval certification.(1) These strict measures are necessary, as effective environmental protection depends on the technical integrity of pollution prevention equipment.(1)
- Phased Implementation Timeline
The Regulation takes effect on 1 January 2026 for newly built vessels with keel laying commencing on or after 1 December 2025.(1) For existing vessels, the obligation becomes applicable where pollution prevention equipment is replaced as of 1 July 2026.(1)
- Crew Competency and Equipment Maintenance
Effective implementation of the Regulation depends on crew compliance in operating equipment in accordance with the instruction manuals and conducting routine maintenance of key components, such as coalescer filters.(1) Negligence in maintenance or operational procedures may lead to equipment failure and violations of marine pollution prevention regulations.(4)
References
1. Surat Edaran Direktur Jenderal Perhubungan Laut Nomor SE-DJPL 37 Tahun 2025 tentang Pemberlakuan Sertifikat Type Approval Peralatan Pencegahan Pencemaran Kapal Bagi Kapal Berbendera Indonesia.
2. International Maritime Organization. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). 1978. Available from: https://www.imo.org/en/about/conventions/pages/international-convention-for-the-prevention-of-pollution-from-ships-(marpol).aspx
3. Ndori A, Dewi AK, Amala RN, Yuliani SIS. The Role of ODM (Oil Discharge Monitoring) in Preventing Oil Pollution Referring to MARPOL Rules 73/78 Annex I. International Journal of Industrial Innovation and Mechanical Engineering. 2025 Aug 30;2(3):24–30. Available from: https://international.aritekin.or.id/index.php/IJIIME/article/view/364
4. Sutralinda D. Quality Standards for Pollution Prevention Countermeasures for Safety and Security at the Port of Surabaya (Survey o (Survey on Tanker Ships at the Port of Surabaya). International Journal of Science, Technology & Management. 2024 Mar 29;5(2):411–23. Available from: https://ijstm.inarah.co.id/index.php/ijstm/article/view/1071
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