Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, on Friday urged the country’s stevedoring companies to adopt digital systems, strengthen professionalism, and comply with regulations to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
Speaking at the 2025 National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Stevedoring and Unloading Companies Association (APBMI) in Surabaya, Suntana emphasized the central role of information technology in modernizing the sector.
“To work professionally and comply with regulations while cutting operational costs, APBMI needs to deploy reliable information systems across all loading and unloading activities,” he said.
The government recognizes APBMI’s contribution to job creation and economic growth but expects stronger collaboration to help reduce national logistics costs, currently about 14% of GDP, to the government’s target of 8%.
“The highest logistics costs are on land routes, not at ports. Collaboration between business actors and the government is key,” Suntana noted.
The Rakernas, themed “Realizing the Sustainability of Stevedoring Companies Through Partnerships with Port Business Entities,” drew over 470 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, the East Java Transportation Agency, and regional APBMI branches. The meeting aims to foster cooperation among port operators and strengthen stevedoring companies’ role in building an integrated, sustainable logistics ecosystem.
Expanding Cooperation
State-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) reaffirmed its commitment to work more closely with stevedoring companies to enhance port efficiency and reduce national logistics costs.
Pelindo Operations Director Putut Srimulyanto said 460 stevedoring companies (PBMs) currently operate in partnership with the company at ports across Indonesia.
PTP Nonpetikemas signing collaboration agreement with APBMI West Sumatera
“Synergy between port business entities and PBMs has been running well, but regulatory reform is still needed, particularly regarding business licensing,” he said, adding that PBM permits should ideally be issued directly by the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) to enable more effective oversight.
Putut highlighted the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders to improve port services. He also noted Pelindo’s push for all ports to operate 24/7—a target still unmet by roughly 45 ports nationwide.
The company is supporting the government’s Inter-Island Trade Notification and Reporting (PAP) program, designed to improve monitoring of domestic trade data, including imports of corn, rice, and soybeans.
Pelindo Regional 2 Teluk Bayur signing collaboration agreement with APBMI West Sumatera
“PBMs play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of inter-island trade data. Every loading and unloading activity must be accompanied by a PAP report,” Putut said. “Collaboration is key to increasing port efficiency and reducing logistics costs.”
Calls for Regulatory Clarity
APBMI Chairman Juswandi Kristanto praised Pelindo’s swift efforts to strengthen ties with PBMs, calling it a positive sign for increased efficiency and professionalism in Indonesia’s port sector.
He noted that the revision of the Shipping Law—from Law No. 17 of 2008 to Law No. 66 of 2024—marks a milestone for PBMs, clarifying their role in stevedoring operations.
Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, opening the APBMI Rakernas 37th in Surabaya, on November 1, 2025
“We especially appreciate Pelindo’s prompt action in implementing the spirit of the revised law, particularly regarding PBM involvement in the field,” Juswandi said.
He also called on the government to review derivative regulations, including Ministerial Decree No. 35, to ensure fairer and more transparent port operations.
Organizing committee chair Kody Lamahayu Fredy said the meeting brought together 473 participants representing 31 agencies, 22 regional boards, and 64 local chapters. Surabaya, home to Tanjung Perak Port, was chosen as the venue to showcase a model partnership between PBMs and port operators in line with the latest regulatory framework.