The issuance of Sailing Approval Letters (SPBs) by the Harbormaster is a supervisory instrument for ensuring maritime safety and accountable port governance. The digital transformation of services through Inaportnet requires an effective, transparent, and integrated issuance process, but practical obstacles continue to limit implementation. This study analyzes the legal framework governing SPB issuance, its implementation at the Class III Sungai Guntung Port Administration Unit Office, and the obstacles and solutions associated with maritime safety and digital port governance. It draws on Philipus M. Hadjon's theory of authority, Sudikno Mertokusumo's theory of legal certainty, Lawrence M. Friedman's legal system theory, and Sedarmayanti's theory of good governance. Empirical legal research was conducted using statutory, conceptual, and sociological approaches. Primary data were obtained through interviews with the Harbormaster and relevant officials, while secondary data comprised legislation, books, scholarly journals, and supporting documents. The findings indicate that SPB issuance has an adequate legal foundation and generally follows the applicable procedures through Inaportnet. Nevertheless, limited technological infrastructure, unstable internet connectivity, uneven human resource competence, insufficient interagency data integration, and incomplete compliance among service users prevent optimal implementation. The proposed solutions include improving digital facilities, strengthening officials' capacity, assisting shipping service users, enhancing coordination, and periodically evaluating implementation. The study concludes that the principal challenges concern implementation rather than the basic substance of the regulations. Digital transformation should therefore strengthen, rather than replace, substantive safety verification and the Harbormaster's legal accountability.
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