In August 2023, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing financial management skills among employees of the Blambangan Raya Perkasa Banyuwangi shipyard was conducted as part of a community service program. This training, which took place in a hybrid format, was led by Denny Oktavina Radianto from the Politeknik Perkapalan Negeri Surabaya. The effort addresses critical issues in Indonesia’s shipping industry, which is vital for the nation’s economic growth and maritime sovereignty.
The Indonesian shipping sector faces challenges, including a limited domestic shipbuilding capacity, resulting in a smaller and uneven fleet. This situation not only hampers the country’s maritime capabilities but also increases the risk of illegal exploitation of marine resources by foreign vessels. By equipping shipyard employees with better financial management skills, the training aims to improve operational efficiency and foster growth within the industry.
Participant feedback from the training was overwhelmingly positive, with a satisfaction rating of 4.36 out of 5. However, the program did encounter challenges, particularly regarding distance and time constraints for employees who had to travel from remote locations to attend the sessions. Despite these hurdles, the training represents a crucial step toward enhancing the competencies of the workforce in the shipbuilding sector.
The commercial implications of this initiative are significant. Improved financial management skills can lead to better resource allocation and project management within shipyards, ultimately resulting in more competitive and sustainable operations. As the domestic shipbuilding industry strengthens, it could attract more investments and partnerships, fostering innovation and technological advancements.
This training program highlights the importance of human resource development in the maritime sector, signaling a commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a growing industry. The insights and findings from this initiative were shared in the journal ‘Dinamisia’, demonstrating the relevance of such educational efforts in supporting Indonesia’s broader economic objectives.