PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 4 has reported impressive growth in its operational performance through October 2024, showing significant improvements compared to the same period last year. The total volume of goods handled by Pelindo Regional 4 up to October reached 64,043,679 tons/m³, marking an 80% increase from the previous year.
Abdul Azis, Executive Director of Pelindo Regional 4, attributed this robust growth to two key factors: “First, the increase in loading and unloading activities at the special terminals around Samarinda Port and Balikpapan Port. Second, a rise in activity at Parepare Port and Nunukan Port,” Azis explained.
Pelindo Regional 4 also saw a notable increase in container traffic, which reached 1,950,266 TEUs by October 2024, a 10% growth compared to the same period last year.
Azis further highlighted that the rise in containerized cargo was largely driven by the growing demand for goods related to the construction of the new Indonesian Capital City (IKN), particularly at Samarinda Port and the Kariangau Terminal (KKT) in East Kalimantan. These ports have been essential in supplying materials for various IKN-related projects, as well as meeting the region’s consumer goods needs.
Other factors contributing to this growth include the increase in LNG imports and exports via isotank containers at Tarakan Port, as well as the growing volume of project goods being delivered through Kendari Terminal for the construction of the PT IWIP smelter. Additionally, the surge in transshipment activities at the Bitung Container Terminal (TPK) further bolstered the performance of Pelindo Regional 4’s container flow.
Passenger and Ship Calls up 8 and 5% Respectively
In addition to goods handling, Pelindo Regional 4 also experienced an increase in passenger traffic. By October 2024, the total number of passengers had risen by 8%, reaching 5,948,173 people compared to the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by increased passenger ship visits at key ports, including Makassar, Parepare, Balikpapan, Ambon, Bitung, and Jayapura.
Pelindo Regional 4 also saw a positive trend in ship calls, with a total gross tonnage (GT) of 373,011,324 recorded by October, a 5% increase from the previous year. This growth was attributed to a rise in the number of general cargo ships, tugboats, and barges operating in the STS Muara Pantai area, Gunung Tabur Bridge, and Berau Coal in Tanjung Redeb. Additionally, the increase in visits by general cargo ships, tugboats, and the operation of KFT II activities at Balikpapan Port contributed to this uptick.
Other factors, including more frequent visits by roro and dry bulk carriers at Parepare Port and the arrival of new container ships, as well as the growing number of ship calls at Sorong and Kendari ports, also played a role in this positive performance.
As 2024 draws to a close, Pelindo Regional 4 remains optimistic about maintaining this positive momentum. The company is confident it will meet or exceed the performance targets set by its management, and Azis concluded, “We aim to finish the year with even stronger results, reflecting our ongoing commitment to improving service and infrastructure across the region.”