On a Friday evening in Surabaya, more than 1,000 port officials, executives and workers filled the New Life Ballroom at Ciputra World, turning a formal hotel venue into a rare gathering point for one of Indonesia’s busiest logistics hubs.
They had come not for a trade forum or operational briefing, but to celebrate the 2025 Ecumenical Christmas and welcome the New Year 2026—an event that underscored how deeply interlinked the Tanjung Perak Port community has become.
Held on January 23, the celebration brought together an unusually broad cross-section of stakeholders: representatives of the Surabaya City Government, the Tanjung Perak Port Authority (KSOP), the Port Police, Customs and Excise, the Navigation District, Navy Lantamal V, the Pelindo Group, shipping lines, banks, logistics associations and business partners operating across the port complex.
The theme, drawn from Matthew 1:21–24“God is present to save the family”, framed the evening as both a religious observance and a statement about institutional solidarity.
David P. Sirait, President Director of PT Terminal Teluk Lamong and Chairman of the 2025 Ecumenical Christmas Committee, described the port not simply as a logistics engine, but as a shared community bound by trust.
“Tanjung Perak is more than a center of national logistics,” David said. “It is an extended family. This celebration is a reminder of the values that allow us to work together, togetherness, mutual trust and collaboration, in serving the nation.”
Those values, he added, take on greater importance as the maritime industry navigates global uncertainty and competitive pressures. The port’s resilience, he said, rests less on infrastructure alone than on cooperation among its people.
“With the spirit of Christmas, we look toward 2026 with optimism and a renewed commitment to deliver port services that are reliable, safe and competitive,” he said.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi, who attended the event, called the gathering unprecedented in its scope. He said it was the first time he had seen all Tanjung Perak stakeholders celebrate Christmas together in a single forum.
“This is a tangible expression of care and unity,” Mr. Cahyadi said. “It reflects a sense of togetherness that goes beyond institutions.”
He added that the values associated with Christmas—peace, compassion and reflection—carry practical significance for the city’s future. As Surabaya’s primary maritime gateway, Tanjung Perak plays a central role in economic growth, he said, and the spirit of cooperation on display would help shape a safer and more prosperous city.
The evening balanced solemnity with levity. A stand-up comedy performance by nationally known comedian Mongol Stress drew laughter from the audience, easing formalities and reinforcing the sense of camaraderie among participants.
By the night’s end, the message was clear: as Tanjung Perak Port prepares for the challenges of the coming year, its stakeholders see unity, not just capacity or capital, as their most valuable asset.