Infrastructure demand and operational improvements lifted container volumes, while faster vessel turnaround underscored efforts to strengthen logistics services in South Papua
Container Terminal (TPK Merauke) handled 27,523 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first half of 2026, up 11.4% from 24,698 TEUs in the same period a year earlier, driven by stronger cargo demand linked to infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia.
The increase reflects rising logistics activity in South Papua, where demand for construction materials has grown alongside the implementation of several National Strategic Projects (PSN), according to Terminal Head Muhammad Rasul Irmadani.
“The increase in cargo flow has been supported by higher demand for materials for National Strategic Projects, particularly in South Papua,” Rasul said.
He said the terminal’s performance also reflected efforts to improve operational efficiency and maintain service reliability as cargo volumes increased.
“We see this growth as a sign that customer confidence in our services remains strong. We will continue optimizing operations and maximizing equipment utilization to ensure reliable service,” he said.
To accommodate rising throughput, the terminal has expanded operational capacity by optimizing facilities and upgrading cargo-handling equipment, measures aimed at improving loading and unloading efficiency and reducing vessel turnaround time.
According to PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL) Merauke Branch Operations Head Tony Bijaksono, the additional equipment has helped ease congestion despite higher cargo volumes during the first half of the year.
“We experienced a significant increase in cargo volume, which intensified yard activities and vessel queues. The additional equipment provided by Pelindo has improved operations in the depot and during loading and unloading,” Tony said.
“As a result, vessel port stay time has fallen to around 47 hours from approximately 55 hours previously, making operations faster, safer and more efficient,” he added.
PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas said it will continue strengthening service quality through workforce development, infrastructure modernization and closer collaboration with shipping lines and other stakeholders to support logistics growth in South Papua.
The company said it expects those initiatives to sustain operational performance while supporting regional economic development.