Despite the intense pace of handling millions of containers across Indonesia’s ports, Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (SPTP) is seeking to show a more human side to its operations. The company is using the Ramadan season this year as a moment to reaffirm that commitment.
In 2025, the Pelindo subholding in containerized trade handled 13.34 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic, a 6.87% increase from the previous year. The volume accounted for roughly 67.5% of total container flows managed by state port operator Pelindo, underscoring the scale of operations that run almost without pause.
Yet amid the relentless rhythm of port activity, the company says it is seeking to carve out space for something different.
With the arrival of Ramadan, Pelindo Terminal Petikemas used the occasion to highlight a more human side of its operations.
On March 3, the company and its subsidiaries, PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya and PT Terminal Teluk Lamong, hosted a media gathering at the Pelindo Place Office Tower in Surabaya. Typically a forum for media engagement, this year’s event was paired with a social outreach program.
Children from several orphanages and social institutions attended, including Yayasan Urunan Kebaikan Kawan Netra, Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC), Panti Asuhan Yauma Asrama, and Panti Asuhan Kreatif Darul Hikmah.. They received donations and were invited to perform for the audience.
The atmosphere shifted from formal to warm when several children with special needs took the stage. Some played music while others performed simple dances, drawing applause from attendees.
“We are happy to perform and meet so many people who care about us,” said Ryan Dwi Pradana, one of the performers from YPAC. “Thank you for this opportunity.”
Bambang Susilo, a mentor from the foundation, said such activities can have a strong psychological impact on the children.
“The most important thing for them is attention and appreciation,” Bambang said. “When they are given space to perform and their efforts are recognized, their confidence grows.”
Compassion Beyond the Throughput Metrics
Widyaswendra, corporate secretary of Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, said the initiative reflects the company’s attempt to balance operational demands with social responsibility.
“Beyond operational activities, we believe the company also has a responsibility to share and bring benefits to the community,” he said.
He added that the company regularly runs social programs aimed at vulnerable groups and that combining the media gathering with a social initiative was also intended to strengthen ties with stakeholders, including journalists.
Meanwhile, the terminals themselves continue to expand their operations.
At Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya recorded container traffic of 1.57 million TEUs in 2025. President Director Wahyu Widodo said more than 95% of that volume came from international shipping activity.
PT Terminal Teluk Lamong also reported growth. Its President Director, David Pandapotan Sirait, said the terminal handled 2.82 million TEUs in 2025 and is targeting 3.04 million TEUs in 2026, an increase of about 7.8%.
The growth reflects rising service demand and ongoing operational optimization aimed at keeping logistics flows moving smoothly through the port, Sirait said.
Even so, amid the mechanical roar of cranes and the steady movement of containers, the company says the Ramadan moment serves as a reminder that behind the metrics of throughput and efficiency, there remains space for compassion.