Growth driven by stronger trade activity, expanding shipping connectivity, and increased logistics demand as Indonesia’s exports continue to show positive momentum
Indonesian container terminal operator IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK) reported a 6.1% increase in container throughput in the first five months of 2026, supported by rising trade activity and expanding international shipping connectivity.
The company handled 1.49 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) between January and May, up from 1.41 million TEUs during the same period a year earlier, according to company data released on Monday.
Monthly container traffic also increased in May, with throughput reaching 333,146 TEUs, up 4% from 320,109 TEUs recorded in May 2025, reflecting stronger goods distribution and international trade activity ahead of the mid-year period.
Daniel Setiawan, Senior Manager of Corporate Secretariat at IPC TPK, said the company’s operational preparedness had played a key role in maintaining smooth cargo flows amid rising container volumes.
“The increase in logistics activity during May encouraged the optimization of terminal services across IPC TPK’s operational areas. Operational readiness remains essential to ensuring the movement of goods remains smooth, safe, and efficient,” Daniel said in a statement.
Growth was recorded across most of the company’s operational regions during May. The Panjang area posted the strongest increase, with container traffic rising 18.8% year-on-year, followed by Jambi, which recorded growth of 15.4%.
Tanjung Priok 1 and Tanjung Priok 2 areas, two of the company’s main container-handling hubs, registered growth of 5.5% and 5.8%, respectively, compared with the same month last year.
On a cumulative basis through May, Tanjung Priok 1 recorded the highest growth rate among IPC TPK’s operational areas at 9.7%, followed by Panjang at 7.4%. Tanjung Priok 2 posted growth of 5.6%, while Pontianak and Jambi recorded increases of 3% and 1.1%, respectively.
The company’s performance comes as Indonesia continues to benefit from steady trade growth and resilient export demand.
According to data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the country’s exports reached US$92.15 billion during the January-April period, an increase of 5.48% from the same period a year earlier.
IPC TPK has also sought to strengthen its international connectivity network to support cargo growth and facilitate trade flows.
In May, the company launched the South China Java X-Press (SCJX) service operated by X-Press Feeders, providing a direct shipping connection between Indonesia and South China. The new route is expected to support growing trade volumes between the two countries and improve logistics efficiency for exporters and importers.
The addition of new international services reflects increasing demand for regional shipping connectivity as trade between Indonesia and key Asian markets continues to expand.
Industry analysts have noted that stronger port performance often serves as an indicator of broader economic activity, particularly in export-oriented sectors that rely heavily on efficient logistics and supply chain networks.
IPC TPK said it would continue focusing on operational efficiency, service reliability, and network expansion to support Indonesia’s supply chain and international trade growth.
The company remains optimistic that ongoing improvements in terminal operations and customer services will help sustain growth throughout the remainder of the year.
“Through continuous improvements in service quality and operational excellence, IPC TPK is committed to supporting the national logistics ecosystem and delivering value to all stakeholders,” Daniel said.