Introduction

On November 21, 2025, the Director General of Sea Transportation issued and enforced Circular Letter Number SE-DJPL 34 of 2025 on the Implementation of Services for Approvals of Dredging Activities with a Dredging Volume of ≤ 100,000 m³ (Less Than or Equal to One Hundred Thousand Cubic Meters) Within Working Areas and Interest Areas of Ports Through the MaritimHUB System (“SE-DJPL 34/2025”). SE-DJPL 34/2025 consolidates the approval process for small-scale dredging activities into a single digital platform through MaritimHUB, while providing clear procedural guidance for Port Operators and Businesses.

SE-DJPL 34/2025 aims to accelerate the digitalization of the licensing evaluation process to make it more transparent and accountable. This measure responds to the recommendations of the KPK’s Anti-Corruption Directorate for Business Entities, which urged the removal of potential irregularities in the licensing process. The Government also seeks to address long-standing bureaucratic inefficiencies associated with manual procedures, while expediting the issuance of dredging approvals to support timely maintenance of shipping lanes and port basins.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Use of Digital Systems and Qualifications of Businesses

The Government requires all Businesses or project owners to submit applications for dredging activity approvals through the MaritimHUB integrated service portal at https://maritimhub.kemenhub.go.id. The Circular Letter confirms that only entities with established legal standing within the port area may access and submit applications. Recognized applicants consist only of operators of Terminals for Own Interests (TUKS) and Port Business Entities (BUP). Specifically for BUPs, the submission requirement is the possession of a concession or other forms of cooperation within the Working Areas [Daerah Lingkungan Kerja (DLKr)]/Interest Areas [Daerah Lingkungan Kepentingan (DLKp)]. This requirement ensures that applications are submitted exclusively by entities that are responsible for managing the relevant port areas.

Standards for Completeness of Technical and Legal Documents

In submitting an application, Businesses must upload all required documents in digital form. These documents are utilized by Port Operators to assess the feasibility of the application. Point 4 letter a item 4) sets out the list of documents that must be uploaded, which includes:

1. Business Licensing: Business license supporting the activity (for TUKS operators) or BUP business license along with a valid concession agreement or other forms of cooperation (for BUPs);

2. Work Contract: Proof of a valid binding cooperation between the project owner and the dredging work executor;

3. Dredging Plan Design Documents: Detailed technical data covering the initial depth map (predredge sounding) on the nautical chart, cross-sections/profiles and dredging volume, soil investigation results in the dredging area, current observation results at the disposal site (dumping area), as well as alignment and slope data;

4. Work Plan Proposal: A proposal document approved by the local Port Operator and Navigation District, containing the planned volume, methods and equipment, location map overlay, work schedule, navigational safety aspects, and economic financing aspects; and

5. Environmental Documents: Environmental approval accompanied by all supporting documents relating to the dredging activities.

Verification Mechanism, Revision Deadlines, and Administrative Sanctions

SE-DJPL 34/2025 establishes a process flow with defined deadlines (Service Level Agreements) that must be observed by both Businesses and port authorities. The Port Operator and the Navigation District must conduct a field inspection within a maximum of 5 (five) working days from the date the application is received. If the results are compliant, the approval shall be issued no later than 10 (ten) working days. If discrepancies are identified between the submitted documents and the actual field conditions, the application will be returned for revision, which must be completed within a maximum of 15 (fifteen) working days. If the revision is not submitted within such time limit, the application shall be declared void and the Businesses must submit a new application.

Technical Service Support for Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition to the digital system, the Government provides a dedicated help channel for Businesses experiencing technical difficulties when accessing MaritimHUB. Businesses may contact the Whatsapp Helpdesk of the MaritimHUB integrated service and data portal at 0811-9620-9696. This facility is intended to minimize operational disruptions arising from system issues or technical difficulties during data submission.

Transitional Provisions

To facilitate the transition to the digital system, the dissemination and supervision of the implementation of SE-DJPL 34/2025 regarding TUKS and BUP operators will commence on December 10, 2025. As of that date, Businesses are expected to submit all dredging-related applications exclusively through the MaritimHUB portal.

Closing

SE-DJPL 34/2025 advances the digitalization of licensing processes in port affairs, particularly for Businesses in the port management and dredging sectors. The Circular Letter establishes clearer service timelines and enhances process transparency; accordingly, Businesses must ensure that all technical data and legal documents are fully digitized before December 10, 2025. Delays or deficiencies in uploading documents may require a re-submission and disrupt the schedule for port channel maintenance.