Smart Navigation: Utilization of AIS for Maritime Transportation Statistics in Indonesia

In the digital era that continues to develop rapidly, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) faces big challenges in meeting data needs that are increasingly complex and rapidly changing. The public and stakeholders demand more accurate, detailed and up-to-date data to support targeted decision making. This condition encourages BPS to continue to innovate in looking for alternative data sources that can complement traditional surveys and censuses. One of the significant breakthroughs made by BPS is the use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as an innovative data source.AIS is a maritime tracking system designed to improve the safety, security and efficiency of navigation at sea. This system operates using VHF radio signals that transmit and receive information about the vessel, such as identity, position, direction and speed. The paradigm shift from traditional data collection methods towards utilizing innovative data sources such as AIS is not without challenges. BPS needs to develop adequate technological infrastructure, build competent human resource capacity, and establish close cooperation with various related parties. BPS also needs to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive data, as well as address issues related to data quality and validity.This publication aims to introduce the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and its potential as an alternative data source in providing official statistics in Indonesia, especially maritime transportation statistics. This publication presents information about AIS in general, examples of the use of AIS data in several countries, as well as a study of the use of AIS data to calculate traffic statistics and the duration of ships anchored at ports. This publication is expected to provide a better understanding of AIS and its potential in supporting the provision of official statistics in Indonesia. We hope that this publication can become a reference for relevant stakeholders, including government, academics, industry players and the general public, in utilizing AIS for statistical and national development purposes.