Indonesia’s state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) marked a milestone this week with the inaugural cargo unloading at Batang Terminal, positioning the newly built port as a critical logistics node for Central Java’s growing industrial sector.
Through its sub-holding, PT Pelindo Multi Terminal, which manages non-container port operations, the company oversaw the first cargo handling at the terminal, located within the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (Kawasan Industri Terpadu Batang, or KITB).
The operation involved unloading 5,200 tonnes of silica sand from the Barge Bahari 30082 on Monday morning.
The cargo, destined for PT KCC Glass Indonesia, one of KITB’s anchor tenants, marked the terminal’s transition from construction to operational phase. The unloading process followed a brief inauguration ceremony and communal prayer attended by port officials and local stakeholders.
The Batang Terminal is part of the initial development phase of KITB’s port infrastructure. The facility includes a 152-meter pier, supported by a 350-meter causeway and a 361-meter trestle. Initially dredged to a depth of –5 meters LWS (Lowest Water Spring), the channel will be deepened in stages to accommodate larger vessels, up to 10,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
“We see this as more than a port opening—it’s a strategic move to support Indonesia’s industrial supply chains,” said Arif Rusman Yulianto, Operations Director at Pelindo Multi Terminal. “This terminal is designed to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable logistics services for industries operating in and around KITB.”
The terminal’s 2-hectare yard is configured to handle a range of cargo types, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, containerized, and general cargo. The site is also equipped with an operational office, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, an integrated security system, and an 82.5 kVA power supply from state electricity firm PLN, which became operational in July.
The port is expected to play a key role in boosting Central Java’s logistics connectivity, particularly as KITB continues to attract manufacturing investment. Officials say the terminal will help streamline the movement of raw materials and finished goods, potentially reducing logistics costs and lead times for local industries.
Looking ahead, Pelindo aims to deepen the terminal’s integration into Indonesia’s national logistics network, reinforcing its ambitions to support regional economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
KITB, a flagship government-backed industrial zone, is central to Indonesia’s strategy to decentralize manufacturing from Greater Jakarta and spur development in Central Java.