In a rapidly evolving global economy, the ports of Southeast Asia are no longer just entry points for cargo, they are becoming the beating hearts of industrial and trade ecosystems.
That was the resounding message delivered by industry leaders during a recent Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and press conference in Jakarta, setting the stage for the upcoming ASEAN Port and Logistics 2025 Exhibition and Conference.
Bobby Hardian, Group Head of Business Development and Strategic Alliance at Indonesia’s leading port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) highlighted the key role of ports in the archipelagic country like Indonesia. For Bobby, ports are not merely about berths and cranes anymore, they are strategic assets that must evolve with the times.
“We’re not just building ports,” he said with emphasis. “We’re building ecosystems.”
He believes that efficient logistics cannot exist in isolation. For supply chains to thrive and trade to flow seamlessly, ports must be intimately connected with their surrounding industrial zones, or what the logistics world calls “hinterlands.”
It’s a strategy that Pelindo has already put into motion through developments like the Java Integrated & Industrial Port Estate (JIIPE) in Gresik, East Java, and the Kijing Terminal in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. These projects aren’t just upgrading infrastructure; they’re reimagining how Indonesia connects to the global economy.
Efficiency Through Integration
The transformation is not theoretical. Real gains are already being felt, particularly in Eastern Indonesia. Bobby proudly shared how vessel port stay and cargo stay, once a major pain point, have been slashed from three days to just one in some ports, a tangible sign of improved turnaround and operational efficiency.
In the densely populated island of Java, progress is equally promising. The integration of Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia’s busiest maritime gateway, with the Cibitung–Cilincing Toll Road has significantly eased the flow of goods, reducing congestion and streamlining logistics for one of Southeast Asia’s largest consumer markets.
Looking ahead, Pelindo is already preparing the next leap forward: the New Priok Eastern Access (NPEA), a direct link to New Priok Container Terminal One (NPCT-1). The project, targeted for completion in 2026 or 2027, is expected to further elevate Jakarta’s capacity as a regional logistics hub.
Weathering Global Uncertainty
But infrastructure alone isn’t the full story. The conversation also turned toward geopolitics, where uncertainty looms over global logistics routes. Iman Gandi, President Director of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Indonesia (CILTD-ID) raised a cautionary flag about the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict.
“The Asia Pacific region may not be directly dependent on Middle East routes,” Iman said, “but we must be prepared. Disruptions in one part of the world can have cascading effects.”
His message was clear: resilience must be built into the very fabric of ASEAN’s logistics planning, ensuring that supply chains remain agile and adaptable no matter the external shocks.
While geopolitical storms brew on distant horizons, local industry voices are calling for more ambition at home. Muhammad Willy, representing the Indonesian Port Business Association (ABUPI), urged both state-owned and private port operators to broaden their horizons.
“Pelindo and other major players need to look beyond national waters,” he said. “Indonesia must begin to assert itself more on the international logistics stage.”
A Meeting of Minds at ASEAN Port & Logistics 2025
All of these discussions are building toward a pivotal moment: the ASEAN Port and Logistics 2025 Exhibition and Conference, scheduled for July 1–3, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta (https://www.transportevents.com/product/asean-ports-and-logistics-2025)
Organized by Pelindo and Transport Events, with support from CILTD-ID and Goisto Consulting, the event promises to be the largest and most impactful gathering of its kind in the region this year.
According to Ajay Haridas, Conference Director at Transport Events, the forum will feature insights from more than 35 international speakers, covering topics from innovation in port technology to green logistics and investment strategies.
More than 400 participants are expected to attend, representing a who’s who of the logistics world, government officials, port executives, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and supply chain strategists from across ASEAN.
Alongside the conference, a bustling trade exhibition will spotlight 50 companies presenting cutting-edge technologies and services. It’s a major commercial opportunity in a region whose logistics sector is growing at a breakneck pace.
“Exhibitors won’t just be showcasing products,” Ajay noted. “They’ll be building partnerships, launching innovations, and positioning themselves in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
As ASEAN accelerates its journey toward deeper economic integration, the message from its logistics leaders is clear: ports are no longer just places of transit, they are platforms for transformation. And with the region’s eyes set on 2025 and beyond, the time to invest, collaborate, and innovate is now.