Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, has praised state-owned port operator Pelindo for completing critical dredging work at Pulau Baai Port ahead of the July 31 deadline set under Presidential Instruction No. 12 of 2025.
The early completion clears the way for the resumption of full operations at the Bengkulu-based port, which had faced significant disruption due to silt buildup in its shipping channel.
“This is the result of solid collaboration between Pelindo, the central and regional governments, the Harbormaster’s Office, the Pulau Baai Port Authority, and other key stakeholders,” Minister Dudy said during a site visit Friday.
In recent days, navigation trials were successfully conducted using two vessels—the KM M.H. Thamrin, carrying 110 passengers, and the KMP Pulo Tello, transporting fuel. Both ships completed their trial runs safely during high tide and favorable weather conditions.
“The trials confirmed that the dredged channels are navigable, and that vessel traffic can now resume safely,” Dudy said.
The port’s return to operation marks a milestone for national logistics, particularly for the western part of Sumatra. Pelindo President Director Arif Suhartono emphasized that restoring the port was not only a technical challenge but also a national priority.
“We are grateful for the support and trust given to Pelindo. With the reopening of the channel, shipping activities can resume safely, supporting the smooth flow of the national logistics chain,” Arif said.
He added that the recovery process will continue in phases. The emergency channel has been deepened to -4 meters below Low Water Spring (mLWS), and further dredging will bring it to -6.5 mLWS before eventually reaching the targeted depth of -12 mLWS.
Indarto, Chairman of the Indonesian Shipping Agencies Association (ISAA) for the Bengkulu region, welcomed the reopening.
“This is encouraging news not just for the shipping sector but also for regional trade and economic growth,” he said.
As of 08:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on Friday, 26 vessels had passed through the reopened shipping lane.