Jakarta, Indonesia – Witherby Publishing Group, a global leader in navigational and operational maritime publications, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement(MoA) with the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) of the Republic of Indonesia to jointly publish the Passage Planning Guide to the Lombok and Sunda Straits (2026–2027 Edition). The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia’s mission to enhance maritime safety and navigational standards across its archipelagic sea lanes.
As vital connectors between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea, the Lombok and Sunda Straits are not only part of Indonesia’s Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) but are also increasingly important global shipping corridors. With traffic through these constrained waters continuing to grow, this Guide is a critical resource for domestic and international vessels seeking safe and compliant passage. It reflects the shared commitment to the safety of life at sea and the promotion of good maritime governance, especially in the Lombok and Sunda Straits.
The Guide has been developed through close collaboration between DGST and Witherbys. The Directorate of Navigation has contributed technical expertise and official endorsement, while Witherbys will manage production, global distribution and promotion. The agreement’s terms, including royalty and intellectual property arrangements, have been carefully negotiated to reflect transparency and mutual respect.
Witherby Publishing Group‘s CEO, Captain Iain Macneil MNM DUNIV, said:
“This Guide is the result of six years of cooperation between Witherbys and the Directorate General of Sea Transportation. It draws on our experience developing similar guides for restricted waterways around the world and demonstrates the close knowledge sharing needed to produce something of lasting value. It builds upon the adoption of Traffic Separation Schemes in the Lombok and Sunda Straits on 1 July 2020 and the recent IMO designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) around the Nusa Penida and Gili Matra Islands on 4 October 2024. With ever-changing and growing trade patterns, this Guide supports and contributes to informed decision-making, shipping safety and the protection of Indonesia’s maritime environment.”
Captain Budi Mantoro, Director of Navigation, DGST, added:
“This agreement marks a significant step in Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to strengthen maritime safety and navigational services in the Lombok and Sunda Straits. These straits are not only vital components of Indonesia’s Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI), but also serve as critical corridors for global maritime trade. The Passage Planning Guide reflects our shared dedication to the safety of life at sea and the promotion of good maritime governance. We believe this guide will be an essential resource for the global maritime community and will reinforce Indonesia’s role as a responsible and proactive archipelagic nation.”
In support of these safety and environmental measures, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected to issue a Circular to raise global awareness of the Guide. This follows the IMO’s earlier adoption of the TSSs in both Straits and recognition of the Lombok Strait PSSA, which highlights the international significance of Indonesia’s maritime initiatives and the global value of the Guide.
The Passage Planning Guide to the Lombok and Sunda Straits provides essential navigational guidance for transiting these high-risk areas. It includes annotated chartlets, aerial imagery and practical advice on pilotage, VTS reporting, tidal streams, anchorages and navigational hazards. A pre-entry bridge team checklist supports safe and well-prepared transits. This first edition reflects the latest regulatory developments and operational best practices, offering Masters and bridge teams a reliable tool for safe passage planning.
The Passage Planning Guide to the Lombok and Sunda Straits (2026-27 Edition) will be released in September 2025 and distributed globally via shop.witherbys.com, Admiralty chart agents and maritime distributors.