Ikhbar.com: Smart logistics is a critical strategy to narrow regional development disparities in Indonesia, Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri said on Saturday, arguing that efficient supply chains are essential to more balanced economic growth across the archipelago.
The rector of the UMMI University Bogor, West Java, made the remarks at an international seminar titled “Advancing Digital Governance, Smart Logistics, and Strategic Communication for Future Hospitality and Public Service Systems,” hosted by the STIAMI Institute of Social Sciences and Management in Jakarta.
Addressing academics from several countries — including Dr. Tasente Tanase of Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania; Prof. Kim Soo Il, emeritus professor at Busan University of Foreign Studies in South Korea; and Prof. Ilham Sentosa, senior lecturer at Universiti Kuala Lumpur — Rokhmin said national progress depends on the efficient movement of goods, services and information. 
For Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, logistics determine whether growth remains concentrated in certain regions or is distributed more evenly, he said.
“No nation can become advanced and prosperous if the movement of goods, services and information remains inefficient. Logistics is not merely about transportation; it is about economic equity,” Rokhmin said.
[Indonesian Version] Prof. Rokhmin: Logistik Cerdas Jadi Strategi Pemerataan Ekonomi Nasional
Rokhmin, who is also a member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR), said lowering logistics costs would expand market access for farmers, ensure fairer prices for fishers and strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses seeking to enter global markets. Integrated and efficient logistics systems could help narrow development gaps between Java and other regions, he added.
He described smart logistics as the integration of digital platforms, real-time tracking, predictive analytics, green transportation and automated supply chains. The system links production centers with consumption hubs and export ports more efficiently while reducing environmental impact.
“Smart logistics integrates digital platforms, real-time tracking, predictive analytics, green transportation and automated supply chains,” said Rokhmin, who served as minister of marine affairs and fisheries from 2001 to 2004.
He said logistics reform must be guided by sustainability principles. Low-carbon supply chains, energy-efficient ports, smart warehousing and circular economy models should become priorities.
Read: Rokhmin: Digital Governance Key to Golden Indonesia 2045
“Economic progress must not come at the cost of ecological collapse. A strong economy and a healthy environment reinforce each other as pillars of long-term prosperity,” he said.
In terms of national competitiveness, Rokhmin said effective governance contributes to policy certainty, institutional credibility and the quality of public services. Countries with strong logistics and governance systems are better positioned to attract long-term investment and compete in global value chains.
He added that the transformation requires strategic communication to maintain public trust.
“Service disruptions or inconsistent information in the digital era can quickly erode institutional legitimacy,” he said.
