Abstract
As an archipelagic country, Indonesia relies heavily on maritime transportation, including coal distribution. However, the implementation of the Mining Services Business License (IUJP) for coal transportation has created cross-sectoral challenges that remain underexplored from the perspective of shipping companies, particularly regarding legal certainty, operational efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness. This study examines the constraints and impacts of IUJP implementation on shipping businesses. A descriptive qualitative approach was applied, Informants were selected purposively and included operational managers, licensing, legal, and documentation staff, government representatives, investors, and other stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and documentation. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA-assisted coding and validated through source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings reveal that overlapping authority between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Transportation causes differing interpretations, operational uncertainty, lengthy administrative procedures, higher waiting times and costs, lower fleet utilization, and reduced profitability and competitiveness. The study’s novelty lies in mapping the relationship between IUJP regulatory disharmony and shipping business performance. Regulatory harmonization, clear authority, standardized requirements, and integrated cross-sectoral licensing are required to improve business certainty and operational efficiency.