MERAK – The use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations across the Sunda Strait forms a critical defense against collision hazards in congested waterways. A 2026 scientific study conducted by Rob Danang Priatmaja, Syairi Anwar, Nursyamsu, and Yollanda Octavitri from Banten Maritime Polytechnic evaluated practitioner assessments of AIS navigation effectiveness at Merak Port. This research provides essential insights by uncovering a distinct operational pattern termed reliance ahead of understanding, where practitioner dependence on system outputs outpaces their technical comprehension of system limitations and failure modes.
The Sunda Strait represents one of Indonesia's most strategic maritime bottlenecks, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Java Sea while accommodating dense inter-island ferry traffic between Merak and Bakauheni. High traffic density and navigation hazards prompted the adoption of a formal Traffic Separation Scheme. Within this operational environment, AIS provides real-time vessel identity, position, course, and speed data to shore-based VTS operators and shipboard navigation officers.
To measure practitioner perceptions, the authors administered a descriptive quantitative survey to 60 respondents comprising Merak VTS operators, vessel crew members, and navigation officers. Data were gathered using a five-point Likert scale instrument measuring four core dimensions: system understanding, operational implementation, safety effectiveness, and developmental needs. Survey findings were supplemented by field observations and qualitative interviews.
The research findings indicate favorable evaluations across all four dimensions, with mean scores exceeding 4.00. Safety effectiveness achieved the highest mean score at 4.32, followed by perceived developmental needs at 4.28, and operational implementation in VTS at 4.18. Conversely, understanding of AIS functions and limitations recorded the lowest mean score at 4.06.
This 0.26-point gap between operational dependence and technical comprehension underscores the reliance ahead of understanding pattern. Maritime practitioners heavily rely on AIS data for real-time collision avoidance decision-making, yet may remain less equipped to detect signal interference, manual data entry errors, or potential spoofing. Furthermore, respondents highlighted persistent signal reception interruptions and expressed strong support for technical training programs alongside Satellite AIS integration.
These findings carry significant policy implications for maritime safety governance, VTS operations, and maritime education. The study demonstrates that technological advancement must be matched by continuous human capital training to prevent automation complacency. Maritime authorities are advised to refine VTS operator training curricula regarding system failure modes, fortify terrestrial AIS infrastructure, and deploy Satellite AIS integration to ensure navigation safety throughout the Sunda Strait.
This research was authored by Rob Danang Priatmaja, Syairi Anwar, Nursyamsu, and Yollanda Octavitri from Banten Maritime Polytechnic.
Author Profile:
Rob Danang Priatmaja, Syairi Anwar, Nursyamsu, Yollanda Octavitri (Banten Maritime Polytechnic)
Research Source:
Article Title: Reliance Ahead of Understanding: Practitioner Assessment of AIS Effectiveness in Vessel Traffic Service Operations at Merak, Sunda Strait
Journal: International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research (IJSMR), Vol. 4, No. 9, 2026, pp. 2127-2142
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i9.154
Journal Link: https://journalijsmr.my.id/index.php/ijsmr
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