Containers Temporarily Held Up; Priok Operator Claims Services Have Recovered

JAKARTA — Services for container import and export at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta are said to have returned to normal.

Rino Wisnu Putro, Operations Director of New Priok Container Terminal One, made this statement in response to protests from importers regarding the withholding of gate passes.

“Services have returned to normal for both container import and export,” said Rino when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday, 16 March 2026 evening.

He described this as part of efforts to improve services for port users.

“Currently, both ship and truck services are operating 24 hours, seven days a week,” said Rino.

Rino did not directly answer when asked to confirm allegations that gate passes were withheld to suppress cargo movements during the Ramadan exodus period.

He emphasised that the operator’s role focuses on ensuring smooth container handling operations.

“Our task is to ensure smooth container services in cooperation with all port stakeholders,” said Rino.

Subandi, Chairman of GINSI (the Indonesian importers’ association), stated that cargo could not be released because the operator had temporarily stopped issuing gate passes. Containers could only be collected from 29 March onwards. This situation is believed to have caused significant losses.

Importers bore demurrage fines and storage charges whilst cargo remained held at the port.

“The port’s policy of not issuing gate passes or TILA (terminal identification and location authorisation) to cargo owners seeking to collect their goods from the port is a reckless policy,” said Subandi when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday, 16 March 2026.