Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) inspected operations at Merauke Port in South Papua on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s logistics system and improve the flow of goods.
One of the key measures discussed during the visit was a proposal to build a container depot outside the port area to increase logistics efficiency and ease congestion within the port.
Bappenas representative Adi Perdana led the inspection of the dock and container yard, accompanied by Julivan Ch. L. Salindeho, head of the Merauke Class IV KSOP Office, as well as officials from PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas Merauke, shipping companies and the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI/ILFA).
The delegation observed loading and unloading activities and assessed the operational condition of the port, while logistics stakeholders provided input on operational arrangements and the development of supporting facilities.
Salindeho said coordination between port operators, shipping lines and logistics providers had been running well to maintain smooth operations at the port.
“Operational optimization has been carried out with all port stakeholders. However, one of the main needs that still has to be realized is the development of a container depot outside the port area,” he said.
Following the field inspection, officials held a coordination meeting to discuss operational arrangements and future logistics infrastructure development at Merauke Port.
Abi Bakri Alhamid, head of the ALFI/ILFA Merauke branch, said the planned container depot would play a key role in supporting goods distribution in the region.
“The presence of a container depot outside the port will allow more flexible container handling and help prevent congestion of logistics activities within the port,” he said.
Shipping companies also voiced support for the initiative, saying improved logistics facilities would increase efficiency in vessel operations.
Puji Hermoko, head of the Merauke branch of PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines, said faster implementation of the plan would help streamline shipping services and cargo flows.
“We hope the development of these logistics support facilities can be realized soon so that ship services become more efficient and the flow of goods to and from Merauke runs more smoothly,” he said.
Officials discussed two potential locations for the depot: a 3.8-hectare area at the fisheries port and a 1.7-hectare plot of land owned by Pelindo behind its office complex. Plans to develop an access road to the depot were also considered to support distribution.
Muhammad Rasul Irmadani, terminal head of TPK Merauke, said the operator was committed to improving service quality through the strengthening of equipment and infrastructure.
“TPK Merauke will continue implementing service improvements, including strengthening operational equipment and developing infrastructure to support smooth logistics activities,” he said.
Local government agencies, including the public works and transportation departments, have expressed support for the plan. The discussion outcomes will be reported to Bappenas leadership as part of efforts to accelerate solutions to operational challenges at Merauke Port.
Officials hope that stronger collaboration between the central government, local authorities, port operators and logistics businesses will help improve logistics connectivity in South Papua and support regional economic growth.