Governor: Central Java Needs Sea Logistics Improvements - ANTARA News

Semarang (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised that improving sea logistics is an urgent requirement to preserve the competitiveness of investments and industrial zones in the region. “This is what we want to change. Because as industrial zones increase, along with their tenants, we must improve the ports,” he said in Semarang on Monday. This was stated during the Coordination Meeting on Sea-Based Logistics Systems, which discussed strengthening the sea logistics system in Central Java, particularly the development of Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang, Kendal Port, and the dry port in Batang. These three are considered vital hubs for reducing logistics costs while maintaining investment competitiveness. Luthfi said he has urged the central government to support the acceleration of improvements to this sea-based logistics infrastructure. Because, he said, around 70 percent of container flows to Central Java still depend on Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, while only about 30 percent go through Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang. “That situation makes industrial logistics costs more expensive,” he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Deputy Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu stated that improving sea ports in Central Java is a priority for the central government because logistics costs directly affect business production costs. “One of the things we need to develop and support for the Central Java region is the development of Tanjung Emas Port,” he said. According to him, logistics costs are a crucial component in industrial activities, trade, and investment, so it will encourage resolving the issue together with relevant ministries, especially the Ministry of Transportation. Besides Tanjung Emas, the government is also focusing on the need to develop Kendal Port and the Batang dry port, which are considered important due to the continuously increasing industrial occupancy. He stressed that strengthening ports and logistics networks is an essential condition to prevent weakening investments in Central Java. The meeting was attended by echelon II officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development of Indonesia, as well as the Director of Sea Traffic and Transportation for the Central Java Region from the Ministry of Transportation. In addition, regional heads or their representatives from Semarang City, Kendal Regency, Demak, and Batang were present, along with Central Java regional apparatus organisations (OPD) and related institutions and agencies.