Indonesia’s PT Terminal Teluk Lamong (TTL) has handled its first multimodal export freight, marking a step toward modernizing the nation’s logistics chain by integrating rail and sea transport to cut costs and emissions.
The inaugural shipment departed Semarang Tawang Station in Central Java on Thursday, bound for the Teluk Lamong Terminal in Surabaya, East Java. The cargo, consisting of industrial goods for export to several Asian markets, was transported by train to Surabaya’s Benteng Station and then by truck to the port for overseas loading.
The pilot project is the result of a partnership among PT Bintang Laut Platinum, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Terminal Teluk Lamong, and OOCL Shipping.
All export documentation, including export declarations (PEB), export approval (NPE), bills of lading, and customs manifests, was processed under the supervision of the Tanjung Emas and Tanjung Perak Customs and Excise Offices, streamlining administrative coordination between the two regions.
According to TTL, the multimodal system reduces overall logistics costs, shortens delivery times, and simplifies customs clearance compared to the traditional road-only route from Semarang to Surabaya. The scheme also ensures that export duties and foreign exchange revenues are recorded in the region of origin, helping sustain local economic contributions.
“This inaugural operation proves that Surabaya Port can function as a true international hub for integrated, single-document transport between regions and across borders,”
said Iko Sukma Handriadianto, Director of Operations at PT Bintang Laut Platinum, which serves as the multimodal transport operator for the project.
Iko, who also serves as Deputy Chair for Logistics and Multimodal Development at the East Java branch of the Indonesian Forwarders Association (ALFI), added that Bintang Laut Platinum is developing end-to-end logistics services linking industrial centers in Central and East Java with export gateways such as Teluk Lamong and Tanjung Perak ports.
The company currently operates containerized freight trains and trucking fleets supporting scheduled services between major inland hubs and ports, aiming to expand to other cities including Solo, Yogyakarta, and Kediri.
PT Terminal Teluk Lamong President Director David Pandapotan Sirait said the multimodal scheme offers significant benefits for exporters located far from ports.
“Multimodal transport is an integrated logistics solution that can reduce costs, shorten lead times, and ensure compliance with customs regulations,” he said.
“By moving cargo from roads to rail, we can ease congestion, lower emissions, and enhance sustainability across the logistics chain.”
TTL, a subsidiary of state-owned port operator Pelindo, has been positioning itself as a green, automated terminal focused on digitalized logistics. The company said it plans to expand multimodal freight connections with other inland industrial zones in Java to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in regional trade.