PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas on Monday denied reports that ships had been forced to queue for up to six days at container terminals in Surabaya’s Tanjung Perak port, saying operations were running largely as scheduled despite occasional delays.
Widyaswendra, corporate secretary of Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, said loading and unloading activities at TPK Lamong, TPS Surabaya, TPK Nilam and TPK Berlian were proceeding normally, with no significant disruptions affecting vessel berthing schedules.
“We can assure that there are no ships waiting up to six days for service at container terminals in Tanjung Perak,” Widyaswendra said in a statement.
He said vessels calling at the port operate under a berthing window system, with services provided based on operational readiness, safety considerations, site conditions and traffic flow within the port.
Pelindo acknowledged that certain terminals experience higher activity during peak periods, such as religious holidays, when increased cargo volumes and vessel arrivals can affect handling times. However, Widyaswendra said most ships arrive according to schedule and are able to receive service immediately.
He said delays, when they occur, typically result in waiting times of between 15 and 30 hours.
“Waiting times can be influenced by early or late vessel arrivals, surges in cargo volume during holidays, equipment readiness, loading and unloading productivity, as well as natural factors such as weather conditions and tidal levels,” he said.
Pelindo said it was continuing to invest in infrastructure to improve service levels. Four new quay container cranes (QCCs) and 14 rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) are scheduled to arrive at the Surabaya container terminal in 2026, while TPK Berlian is expected to receive two additional QCCs by mid-2026.
“We are continuously improving our services across our entire operating area, from Belawan to Merauke,” Widyaswendra said.
Separately, Stenven Handry Lesawengan, chairman of the Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) Surabaya, said his office had received reports of delays at TPK Berlian related to equipment availability, but said the terminal operator had been responsive.
“The terminal management has been open and cooperative in finding solutions, and there has never been a queue lasting for days,” Stenven said, adding that agreements were in place to ensure cargo handling could continue when service issues arose.
Sebastian Wibisono, chairman of the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI), called on terminal operators to accelerate equipment upgrades, saying existing facilities were increasingly unable to accommodate larger vessels and rising container volumes.
“We have heard about the planned arrival of new equipment at TPS Surabaya, and we hope similar improvements can be implemented at other terminals, particularly TPK Berlian,” he said.