SHIP FLAGS IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW OF THE SEA

The flying of a ship's flag is of great importance in international maritime law as it signifies the ship's identity, nationality, and jurisdiction applicable to the vessel. UNCLOS 1982 mandates the flying of a ship's flag, as stipulated in Article 90. Practices that raise numerous questions have been observed, particularly in the case of the Pertamina Prime vessel, owned by PT. Pertamina International Shipping, which flies the flag of Singapore. Therefore, the normative research poses the question of whether the hoisting of the Singaporean flag by the Pertamina Prime tanker complies with international maritime law. The research findings indicate that the hoisting of the Singaporean flag by the Pertamina Prime vessel is not in violation of international maritime law. This conclusion is based on the fact that UNCLOS 1982 does not mandate ships to fly their own nation's flag, and ultimately, the benefits derived from leasing the Pertamina Prime vessel will still be enjoyed by PT. Pertamina, which holds the majority of shares in PT. Pertamina International Shipping, the operational company of the Pertamina Prime vessel.