Andre Rosiade Urges Pelindo to Develop CPO Industry to Revive West Sumatra's Economy

Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Andre Rosiade, has urged PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) to take concrete measures to develop ports and crude palm oil (CPO)-based industries in West Sumatra. Andre highlighted the weakness of the economy in West Sumatra, despite the province’s abundant natural potential.

During a Hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives and Pelindo’s management, Andre Rosiade stressed that the current economic condition in West Sumatra requires serious intervention. This includes policy breakthroughs and the development of strategic infrastructure.

“My duty as a House of Representatives member is to seek breakthroughs so that the economic growth of West Sumatra, which is the worst on the island of Sumatra, can rise again. I kindly request that, if possible, Pelindo enters there and helps develop the existing potential,” said Andre Rosiade in his statement on Thursday (2/4/2026).

Andre noted that although Teluk Bayur Port is operating well, West Sumatra’s economy remains weak due to the lack of industries. This has resulted in low utilisation of containers entering the region.

“I heard from the presentation that containers entering West Sumatra are only filled about 30 per cent, because we indeed do not have large industries other than Semen Padang. But we have great opportunities from CPO,” he explained.

Andre stated that the development of Air Bangis Port in West Pasaman Regency could be a game changer for the regional economy if optimally utilised as a centre for CPO distribution and processing.

“In Air Bangis, we can build a Pertamina depot and also a CPO depot. Our palm oil potential is large, not only from West Pasaman, but also from Agam, even from North Sumatra. Instead of going to Medan which is farther, it is better to divert it to Air Bangis,” he said.

Andre added that the South Coastal region up to the border with Bengkulu has similar potential that can be developed through the construction of special CPO ports.

“In South Coastal and parts of Bengkulu, palm oil is also abundant. This can be promoted for the construction of special CPO ports, so that the logistics chain becomes more efficient and directly impacts the community’s economy,” he said.

Andre Rosiade also revealed the concerning economic condition in West Sumatra. He stated that there is an imbalance between economic growth and inflation.

“Economic growth in my province is only 3 per cent, far below the national average, while inflation reaches 6 per cent. This means people’s income rises by 3 per cent, but their expenses increase by 6 per cent. This clearly indicates structural impoverishment in West Sumatra,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Andre Rosiade appreciated Pelindo’s steps in carrying out digital transformation in the port sector. Andre emphasised the importance of state-owned enterprises’ support for the regional economy.

“I have directly seen how digitalisation at Pelindo is running, even in the future machines can be controlled remotely, for example from Jakarta for operations in Makassar. This is certainly progress that deserves appreciation,” he said.

“Once again, I kindly request help for the province I represent. We need studies and real steps so that West Sumatra’s economy can rise,” he added.