Ship Recycling in Indonesia: Analysis of Compliance with National Regulations and International Standards

This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric mapping of sixty-two selected publications with a systematic qualitative analysis of twelve primary studies to analyse the implementation of ship recycling in Indonesia. It identifies critical gaps between national regulations and international standards, specifically the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). The findings reveal a fragmented regulatory landscape across environmental, maritime, and industrial sectors, resulting in a low average maturity level of 2.1 out of 4.0 among existing yards. The research highlights that only 16% of yards maintain adequate occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions, with hazardous practices, such as beaching and improper management of toxic metals (Pb, Hg, Cd), posing significant risks. With 20% of Indonesia’s 37,722-vessel fleet, now exceeding thirty years of age, the study projects an urgent demand for managing two million tons of LDT scrap. The results emphasise that the primary barrier is not the absence of law but weak enforcement and infrastructure deficiencies. The paper proposes a transition towards centralised Ship Recycling Facility (SRF) hubs in strategic zones like Bojonegara and Kamal and the adoption of a service-provider business model to enhance sustainability and ensure full alignment with global HKC standards.