The maritime geography of Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, comprising more than 17,000 islands spread over a vast maritime area. This geographical setup grants the country the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the world, covering about 6.159 million km². The diversity of surrounding seas, including the Java Sea, Banda Sea, Celebes Sea, and Arafura Sea, contributes to exceptional ecological wealth. Indonesia's strategic position between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial crossroads for international sea routes. This promotes not only commercial exchanges but also regional maritime cooperation. However, this complex geography also poses a challenge for monitoring and managing maritime activities, notably combating piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental protection.

Port infrastructure and maritime trade

Indonesia has many important ports that play a key role in international trade. The ports of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Surabaya, Belawan, and Makassar are among the most active, ensuring the import and export of essential goods. These port infrastructures are expanding to meet the growing demands of global trade and facilitate maritime transit. Moreover, Indonesia actively participates in port development initiatives and the modernization of maritime services to strengthen its competitiveness. The maritime sector is also crucial for the national economy, involving fishing, coastal tourism, and cargo transportation. Sustainable management of marine resources and maritime safety remain major priorities to ensure a balanced and secure development of the sector.

Essential maritime information on Indonesia

Ports & maritime infrastructure of Indonesia