A senior official from Indonesia’s transport ministry inspected operations at Yos Sudarso Port in Merauke, South Papua, this week, as authorities seek to address rising congestion and improve logistics infrastructure in the region.
Muhammad Anto Julianto, Director of Ports at the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, visited the port on Tuesday to assess service readiness and identify development needs amid increasing cargo volumes.
He said the region’s growing output of commodities such as sugar, rice and corn underscored the need for stronger distribution systems and supporting infrastructure.
“The potential of commodities in Merauke is significant, particularly how mobility and distribution can be facilitated more optimally,” he said.
The visit comes as loading and unloading activity at the port continues to increase, with the yard occupancy ratio (YOR) reaching around 90%, indicating congestion in the container yard and longer vessel waiting times.
Muhammad Rasul Irmadani, head of the Merauke container terminal, said expansion plans were being prepared in line with the port’s long-term master plan.
“All development plans refer to the Port Master Plan and remain within the established long-term framework,” he said.
He added that congestion was partly driven by stuffing and stripping activities still taking place at the terminal area, as well as slower container outflow.
State port operator Pelindo is planning to build an off-dock container depot about 500 metres from the port to serve as a buffer yard and ease pressure on existing facilities. The project will require support from local authorities, particularly for road access.
Officials said the inspection aimed to strengthen coordination between central and regional governments and port operators to accelerate logistics infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia.