East Java leading container terminal operator – PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS), a subsidiary of Subholding Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (SPTP), will begin trialing a new Terminal Booking System (TBS) on Monday, July 7, aimed at reducing congestion and improving efficiency in container truck flows at Tanjung Perak Port.
The TBS, a digital scheduling platform for truck arrivals, is designed to manage traffic by assigning time slots, enabling a more even distribution of vehicles throughout the day. TPS said the system is expected to significantly cut Truck Round Time (TRT)—the period between gate-in and gate-out—thereby streamlining port operations and supporting national logistics performance.
Ahead of the trial, TPS hosted a stakeholder briefing on July 3 at its Surabaya office, gathering representatives from key industry associations, including ALFI, GPEI, GINSI, ORGANDA, APTRINDO, and LOGINDO. These organizations represent freight forwarders, exporters, importers, and transport operators, groups directly affected by the new scheduling system.
“This is a strategic step toward modernizing our terminal services,” said Noor Budiwan, TPS Operations Director. “By smoothing out the truck arrival pattern, especially during peak hours like 16:00 to 24:00. We can deliver faster, more comfortable service for our customers.”
The trial phase will begin with a shortened slot duration, reduced from eight hours to four, to help acclimate users to the new process. TPS has also opened 24/7 communication channels, including a dedicated helpdesk, to support users during the transition.
Government and Industry Backing
The initiative has received backing from the Tanjung Perak Port Authority (KSOP), which oversees maritime operations in the region.
“TPS is responding proactively to the growing need for a more structured vehicle management system,” said Nanang Afandi, Head of Traffic, Sea Transportation, and Port Affairs at KSOP Tanjung Perak. “We urge all logistics players to adjust their schedules in line with 24/7 terminal services to support national supply chain efficiency.”
Industry leaders welcomed the new system, citing long-standing concerns over truck bottlenecks and operational delays.
“TBS is a move we fully support. It directly addresses our need for faster, more efficient logistics,” said Sebastian Wibisono, Head of East Java’s ALFI branch. Wayan Sumadita, Chairman of APTRINDO Surabaya, echoed the sentiment, calling the system “a step forward for freight operators.” Christin Adni Susilowati, head of LOGINDO East Java, added that the system could reduce queues and speed up container turnaround times.
TPS is the main operator of international and domestic container terminals at Tanjung Perak, one of Indonesia’s busiest ports. In 2024, TPS handled 1.58 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and throughput for the first half of 2025 reached 768,518 TEUs. The terminal also maintains a dominant 83% market share in the international segment at the port.
As logistics demand continues to grow, TPS says initiatives like TBS are essential to maintaining service reliability and competitiveness.
Service users can reach TPS Customer Service 24/7 for technical or operational support during the TBS trial via:
• Phone: (031) 320 2020
• Email: cs@tps.co.id