BKPM Strengthens Development of Tanjung Carat Port to Boost Logistics
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is strengthening the development of the integrated New Palembang Port in Tanjung Carat, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, with the aim of accelerating logistics efficiency.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Deputy Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu, in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday, stated that this project is part of the government’s strategy to bolster integrated logistics infrastructure connected with industrial zones and other transportation networks.
He personally attended the project launching of the port on Thursday (9/4), and emphasised that the development of Tanjung Carat Port not only serves as basic infrastructure but also as a solution to logistical efficiency challenges in South Sumatra.
“Our main issue is not resources, but the ability to commercialise them and logistical efficiency. Tanjung Carat Port is the solution to increasing trade capacity and improving our competitiveness,” he asserted.
He explained that South Sumatra has vast natural resource potential, from coal, oil and gas, to plantation commodities. However, this potential has not been optimised due to limitations in efficient logistics infrastructure.
“We are rich in resources, but if we are not competitive, it means nothing. Ultimately, the people bear the burden. Therefore, logistics infrastructure is key to increasing added value,” he stated.
As an integrated port, Tanjung Carat is designed to connect with various supporting infrastructures such as toll roads, railway lines, and industrial zones within one development cluster.
This area is also proposed to become a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) based on downstreaming to strengthen investment appeal.
“This consolidation is part of investment projects and national strategic projects, and it is planned that an SEZ area will be opened here. This will be the first SEZ for downstreaming,” he explained.
Furthermore, Todotua revealed that investment realisation in South Sumatra in 2025 reached Rp62.66 trillion, dominated by the processing industry sector, particularly paper and printing, as well as mining and energy sectors.
According to him, this achievement indicates the direction of economic transformation towards value-added industries that needs to be supported by an efficient logistics system.
“The investment potential is already large, but it must be driven by efficient infrastructure so that the added value can be maximised and competitiveness increased,” he stated.
The central government, he continued, has provided full support for this project, including accelerating land resolution and integration of supporting infrastructure.
“All support is already in place. If we do not implement this quickly, we will lose the momentum. Now it is our collective commitment to execute it,” he asserted.