PT Pelindo Jasa Maritim (SPJM), a maritime and port services subholding of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) has successfully resumed marine traffic at Pulau Baai Port in Bengkulu, Sumatra, following months of closure caused by severe sedimentation that blocked the shipping channel.
The port, shut since March 26 due to the buildup of sediment, officially reopened on July 6 at 21:00 local time after an emergency dredging effort led by SPJM’s subsidiary, PT Pengerukan Indonesia (Rukindo). A trial run using the Bunga Rafflesia tugboat on July 7 confirmed that the channel was safe for navigation.
As of July 8, SPJM pilot personnel, under the command of Capt. Yudi Hernawan, successfully coordinated eight vessel movements, marking the return of commercial activity at the port. These included outbound and inbound voyages by vessels such as the MH Thamrin training ship, SPOB Cavalo Marinho 15 and 11, MT Kencana Express, and the ferry KMP Pulo Tello.
“This is an encouraging development. Thanks to close coordination between regulators and all stakeholders, the port has resumed operations safely,” said Tubagus Patrick, Senior Vice President of Corporate Secretary at SPJM.
He credited the Bengkulu Class III Port Authority (KSOP), the Pelindo Bengkulu branch team, and on-the-ground work by SPJM and Rukindo for accelerating the dredging process.
Since early June, dredging efforts have cleared a 40-meter-wide emergency channel with a depth of minus 3 meters at mean low water spring (MLWS), significantly easing the blockage. Rukindo plans to continue dredging to reach a final depth of minus 4 meters MLWS to fully restore operational capacity.
“The role of Pulau Baai Port is vital for the movement of people, fuel, and goods. Its reopening is expected to facilitate the flow of logistics and positively impact the regional economy,” Patrick said.