PT IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK) has handled the maiden call of a new container shipping service linking Indonesia and southern China, as regional trade growth drives demand for stronger intra-Asia connectivity.
The South China Java X-Press (SCJX) service, operated by X-Press Feeders and represented locally by Ben Line Agencies, made its first call at IPC TPK’s Terminal 3 in Jakarta on May 27, marking the terminal operator’s first international maiden voyage service of 2026.
The service connects Yantian, Xiamen and Nansha in China with Jakarta and Surabaya, providing an additional direct shipping option for cargo moving between the two countries.
The vessel assigned to the service, MV Wantai, has a capacity of 2,902 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and handled 1,577 containers during its Jakarta call. After completing operations at IPC TPK, the vessel continued its voyage to Surabaya before returning to China.
The arrival of the new service comes as trade between Indonesia and China continues to expand. China remained Indonesia’s largest non-oil and gas export destination during the first quarter of 2026, with shipments valued at US$16.5 billion, according to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS). The country also remained Indonesia’s largest source of imports, supplying goods worth US$22 billion during the same period.
Indonesia posted a trade surplus of US$5.55 billion in the January-March period, supported by exports from manufacturing sectors such as steel, nickel products, electronics and industrial raw materials, many of which are traded extensively with China.
Growing trade volumes have increased demand for efficient regional shipping services that offer direct connectivity and shorter transit times. Shipping lines are also seeking to strengthen supply chain resilience through expanded feeder and intra-Asia networks.
For IPC TPK, the addition of the SCJX service is expected to increase international container throughput and vessel calls while improving utilization of terminal facilities, including berths, container yards and cargo-handling equipment.
The service also expands the terminal’s connectivity with regional feeder networks and could support future transshipment opportunities across Asian trade routes.
A ceremony commemorating the maiden call was held on May 28 and attended by IPC TPK management and representatives from Ben Line Agencies.
IPC TPK Corporate Secretary Daniel Setiawan said the maiden call reflected confidence among international shipping lines in the terminal’s operational capabilities and service standards.
“The presence of this new service strengthens connectivity between Indonesia and key markets in Asia while providing exporters and importers with additional shipping options,” Daniel said.
The SCJX service is expected to support growing trade flows between Indonesia and China while reinforcing Jakarta’s role as one of the region’s key container gateways.