The Federation of International Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarder Association (ALFI/ILFA) successfully held the main event of the FIATA Regional Asia Pacific (RAP) Meeting 2024 at Merusaka, Nusa Dua, Bali, on July 11, 2024. The event was inaugurated by Indonesian Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi and featured prominent keynote speakers including FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA-RAP 2024 Chairman Yukki N. Hanafi, KADIN Chairman Arsjad Rasjid, and ALFI/ILFA Chairman Akbar Djohan. Additionally, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno provided virtual guidance on regional logistics sector development strategies.

The FIATA-RAP 2024 was attended by over 200 industry leaders and stakeholders from across the world, especially the Asia-Pacific region. On the first day, Thursday (July 11), participants engaged in panel discussions themed "Logistics Outlook 2024: The Future of Logistics Investment: Navigating Towards Sustainability." Notable speakers included Deputy for Investment Planning of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Dedi Latip, FIATA Director General Stephane Graber, PT Pelindo (Persero) Strategy Director Prasetyo, VP Supply and Logistic Operation of PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional Woody Boemara, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Business Planning Director Eka Suhendra, and Managing Director of TaxPrime Muhammad Fajar Putranto, moderated by ALFI/ILFA Chief Public Affairs & Communication Poppy Zeidra.

The event continued with the National Leadership Meeting (RAPIMNAS) of ALFI/ILFA, which included representatives from all ALFI regions in Indonesia. More than 250 industry leaders gathered to formulate policy recommendations to shape the future of the logistics sector regionally and ensure the sustainability of global supply chains.

In his address, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin highlighted the potential of the logistics industry in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by economic growth, high investment, and increased trade volumes. However, he emphasized the challenges of global economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and currency fluctuations. He stressed the importance of technological adaptation, investment in human resource training, and regulatory reform to create a conducive business climate.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi discussed Indonesia's efforts to develop the National Logistic Ecosystem (NLE), aiming to streamline international traffic flows and document processes from arrival to warehouse, including integrated permissions and document submissions.

FIATA President Turgut Erkerskin praised Indonesia, particularly Bali, as the host. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to strengthen global trade connectivity. FIATA-RAP 2024 should serve as an example of bringing partner countries together to develop transportation and logistics corridors.

FIATA-RAP 2024 Chairman Yukki N. Hanafi stressed the significant challenges facing the industry, such as stricter regulations, trade wars, and market dynamics. He called for collaboration between governments, industry players, and communities to create an efficient and sustainable logistics ecosystem.

The National Leadership Meeting (RAPIMNAS) of ALFI/ILFA agreed on recommendations to the government to establish a national logistics agency at the ministerial level. ALFI/ILFA Chairman Akbar Djohan proposed the formation of an independent national logistics body directly responsible to the President to enhance efficiency, transparency, and integrity in the national logistics system.

KADIN Chairman Arsjad Rasjid emphasized the importance of logistics for national economic growth and sustainability. He called for industry collaboration to ensure business continuity and environmental sustainability. PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Business Planning Director Eka Suhendra and PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KIP) VP Supply and Logistic Operation Woody Boemara highlighted the need for digitalization and green energy solutions to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

TaxPrime Managing Director Muhammad Fajar Putranto addressed regulatory compliance, especially in taxation, noting the lack of tax allowances in the logistics subsector, which impacts business conditions.

The FIATA-RAP Meeting 2024 will conclude on July 12, 2024, with the approval of the meeting minutes. Indonesia, this year's host, will hand over the baton to the next host country. The final event includes a roundtable meeting among FIATA members to discuss organizational matters, culminating in business-to-business (B2B) meetings to strengthen industry collaboration and synergy.