Port readiness is critical to maintaining the smooth flow of national logistics during the year-end holiday period, a time typically marked by higher cargo volumes and increased passenger movement, a senior executive at PT Danantara Asset Management said on Friday.
Desty Arlaini, Senior Vice President of Business 3 at Danantara Asset Management (DAM), made the remarks during an inspection of the Port of Makassar and the New Makassar Container Terminal alongside Pelindo Operations Director Putut Sri Muljanto and Pelindo Regional 4 Operations Division Head Yusida M. Palesang.
The visit was aimed at ensuring that port facilities and services in Pelindo Regional 4 are fully prepared to handle the expected surge in activity during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday period.
“Our focus is to ensure that all Pelindo-managed assets and services, particularly at the Port of Makassar and the New Makassar Container Terminal, are operating optimally, safely and reliably,” Arlaini said.
“This is not only about maintaining smooth logistics flows, but also about providing a sense of security and comfort for all port service users,” she added.
During the inspection, the executives reviewed the readiness of port infrastructure, operational support facilities, service systems and human resources assigned for the holiday period. They also observed cargo handling activities, passenger flows, and security and safety arrangements within the port area.
One of the key issues discussed was the planned re-layout of Makassar Container Terminal 1, in line with preparations to shift container operations fully to Makassar New Port (Terminal 2) by the end of 2026. The transition will require a new zoning strategy for port services, which will be developed by a subsidiary of the Pelindo Group.
The zoning plan is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality for port users and support the long-term sustainability of Pelindo’s port services business.
Pelindo Operations Director Putut Sri Muljanto said the state-owned port operator had put in place a range of anticipatory measures to manage the anticipated increase in traffic during the holiday season.
“These include strengthening coordination across operational units, optimizing port facilities and increasing the readiness of personnel in the field,” Putut said.
He added that Pelindo conducts continuous evaluations of terminal readiness ahead of the Christmas and New Year period to ensure passenger and container terminals operate smoothly, safely and efficiently.
“Close coordination with all stakeholders is essential to maintaining uninterrupted services during periods of high activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yusida M. Palesang, Operations Division Head for Pelindo Regional 4, said the regional unit had carried out early technical and operational preparations, including adjusting work patterns, ensuring equipment readiness and strengthening digital-based service systems.
“Human resource readiness is a key priority, particularly through workforce scheduling and enhanced operational supervision during the Christmas and New Year period,” Yusida said.
She added that Pelindo Regional 4 continues to coordinate closely with port authorities, security agencies and business partners to minimize operational disruptions.
The inspection forms part of broader efforts by Danantara Asset Management and Pelindo to strengthen port asset management and safeguard logistics stability, particularly in eastern Indonesia. Pelindo said it remains confident it can deliver reliable and high-quality port services throughout the year-end holiday period.