The smooth flow of goods depends not only on logistics and transportation but also on port infrastructure capable of efficiently handling loading and unloading operations.
Ports serve as vital hubs connecting production centers, industrial zones, and markets, thereby supporting the smooth flow of exports, imports, and inter-island distribution.
Some of Indonesia’s largest ports play a strategic role in maintaining a smooth supply chain and enhancing business competitiveness. With their large capacity, increasingly modern facilities, and extensive connectivity, these ports can more effectively support the operations of various industrial sectors.
Amid the ever-increasing flow of trade, which ports serve as the backbone of distribution and trade in Indonesia? Read the full explanation in this article.
The Biggest Port in Indonesia
Ports are a vital part of the infrastructure that supports the smooth operation of supply chains, trade, and the distribution of goods in Indonesia. The capacity, facilities, and connectivity of each port influence the operational efficiency of various industrial sectors.
Therefore, some ports play a more strategic role than others in serving both national and international logistics flows. This list of the largest ports is based on a combination of facility capacity, the volume of goods and passenger traffic, and their strategic role within Indonesia’s logistics network.
The following is a list of the largest ports in Indonesia, based on each port’s strategic role in supporting logistics, exports, imports, and the distribution of goods across various regions, presented in no particular order:
1. Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta
As one of the biggest port in Indonesia, Tanjung Priok Port plays a central role in supporting both domestic and international trade.
Tanjung Priok Port handles more than 30% of Indonesia’s non-oil and gas commodity traffic. Additionally, approximately half of the nation’s export and import cargo flows also pass through Tanjung Priok Port. This makes it the most strategic logistics hub for supporting international trade and national distribution.
Located in Jakarta, this port serves as the entry and exit point for various export and import commodities, while also handling the majority of Indonesia’s container traffic.
2. Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya
Tanjung Perak Port is the second-busiest port in Indonesia and is managed by a state-owned enterprise (BUMN). This port serves as a logistics distribution hub connecting the island of Java with various regions in Eastern Indonesia.
Supported by extensive waterways and a variety of terminals for domestic and international containers, bulk cargo, general cargo, and passenger ships, Tanjung Perak Port is capable of handling a large volume of cargo loading, unloading, and ship berthing operations every day.
3. Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang
Tanjung Emas Port is one of the biggest ports in Indonesia, managed by a state-owned enterprise, and serves as the main logistics hub in Central Java.
Located in Semarang, Tanjung Emas Port serves as a gateway for trade and the distribution of goods for the Central Java region, specifically to support export, import, and inter-island shipping activities for various industrial, manufacturing, and agribusiness commodities.
To support port operations, Tanjung Emas Port is equipped with various facilities, such as a harbor basin, shipping channels, docks, logistics warehouses, and terminals that handle various cargo types.
Read also: Annual Report of PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI)
4. Merak Port, Banten
Merak Port is Indonesia’s main ferry port, connecting the islands of Java and Sumatra via the Sunda Strait.
As one of Indonesia’s most important maritime transportation and sea freight ports, this port serves as the main route for the movement of freight vehicles, the distribution of industrial raw materials, and the shipment of finished goods that support economic activity on both islands.
Merak Port is equipped with 6 regular piers and 1 executive pier, a passenger terminal, a vehicle parking area, and operational support facilities designed to accommodate the high daily volume of ferry traffic and private vehicles.
5. Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi
Ketapang Port is a strategic ferry port in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, connecting Java and Bali via the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route.
As a port managed by a state-owned enterprise, Ketapang Port operates regular, high-frequency ferry services to support the movement of passengers, private vehicles, and logistics trucks.
The high volume of ferry traffic makes Ketapang Port a strategic infrastructure for facilitating logistics distribution between Java and Bali.
6. Batu Ampar Port, Batam
Batu Ampar Port is the main port in Batam, serving export, import, and goods distribution activities for industrial and commercial areas.
Located in a free trade zone and close to Singapore, Batu Ampar Port holds a strategic position as a hub for regional and international trade.
This advantageous location makes Batu Ampar Port widely utilized by the shipbuilding, electronics, manufacturing, and heavy logistics industries.
7. Bakauheni Port, Lampung
Bakauheni Port serves as the main gateway connecting Java and Sumatra via ferry services across the Sunda Strait.
Every day, thousands of passengers, private vehicles, buses, and logistics trucks pass through this port, making it one of the busiest in Indonesia, especially during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period and long holidays.
In addition to serving passenger transport, Bakauheni Port also plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth distribution of goods between Java and Sumatra.
8. Belawan Port, Medan
Belawan Port is one of Indonesia’s logistics hubs and serves as the main gateway for international trade in the western part of the archipelago.
Located in the Medan Belawan District, Medan City, North Sumatra, Belawan Port is situated on the shores of the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes connecting Asia with various countries.
This strategic location makes Belawan Port the main gateway for exports and imports in North Sumatra. A variety of key commodities, such as crude palm oil (CPO), rubber, coffee, and other agricultural products, are shipped to global markets through this port.
Read also: Cargodoring: Definition, Functions, & Process at the Port
Port and Chemical Storage Solutions for Industry from CDI
After learning about some of Indonesia’s largest ports, it is important to understand that every industry has different logistics needs. However, industrial needs extend beyond port services alone, including chemical storage, loading and unloading facilities, and secure, integrated distribution systems.
For chemical distribution, ports must also be strategically located and have strong logistics connectivity to ensure efficient and on-time delivery.
As part of its commitment to being #YourGrowthPartner, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI), through its subsidiary PT Redeco Petrolin Utama (RPU), provides port and chemical storage solutions to support the needs of various industrial sectors. Located in the Cilegon–Merak industrial and petrochemical complex, RPU serves as one of the port terminals supporting the distribution of chemicals for both domestic and international industrial needs.
RPU operates over 70 storage tanks with a total capacity of over 125,000 m³, enabling it to support the storage of various liquid products on an industrial scale.
Its facilities are further supported by two berths, each with a Length Overall (LOA) of 200 meters, capable of serving vessels up to 35,000 DWT with a draft of 10 meters.
Additionally, a Central Filling Station (CFS) is available, designed to serve various types and sizes of tanker trucks, thereby making the distribution process more efficient.
To improve service quality, RPU provides a Customer Order Service (COS), a system specifically designed to help customers plan their product pickup schedules more structured.
To ensure operational safety, RPU implements international safety and fire protection standards, including the availability of oil booms as a precautionary measure in the event of an oil spill.
To support more efficient and reliable logistics operations, entrust your company’s port and chemical storage needs to CDI and RPU.
Read also: What Is a Jetty Pier? Definition, Functions, and Types