A Dutch maritime delegation praised Indonesia’s efforts to enhance port infrastructure during a visit to Makassar New Port (MNP) on Thursday, describing the facility as a vital logistics hub with growing regional and international significance.
Led by Brigit Gijbers, Director General for Aviation and Maritime Affairs at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the group visited the eastern Indonesian port as part of the Dutch Economic Mission to Indonesia.
“We are very impressed with the development of Makassar New Port carried out by Pelindo,” Gijbers said.
“This demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to improving logistics efficiency and maritime connectivity through modern port services,” he said further.
The port, operated by state-owned PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), has undergone significant expansion in recent years, positioning itself as a central node for the eastern archipelago’s shipping lanes.
The delegation toured MNP’s facilities, including its container dock and Planning & Control Room, gaining insight into Pelindo’s ongoing digital and operational transformation.
Ganesa Rigshady Soepraptoyo, SVP of Operations Planning & Development at Pelindo Container Terminal, welcomed the visit, calling it an acknowledgment of MNP’s growing strategic role.
“We see this as a signal of confidence and an opportunity for greater international collaboration,” he said. “The presence of the Dutch delegation motivates us to continue advancing world-class port infrastructure, particularly in eastern Indonesia.”
The visit follows a maritime business forum held a day earlier in Makassar, where Dutch delegates met with officials from the South Sulawesi Provincial and Makassar City governments. The forum highlighted opportunities for investment and cooperation in port development, sustainability, and digital innovation.
The Dutch Economic Mission’s visit underscores the strategic priority both nations place on maritime collaboration, with a shared focus on boosting the blue economy through sustainable port operations and technology partnerships.
Indonesia and the Netherlands maintain long-standing maritime ties, and both governments have expressed interest in deepening cooperation across port infrastructure, logistics, and environmental technologies.