Governor: Central Java Needs Sea Logistics Overhaul
Semarang (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has stressed that overhauling sea logistics is an urgent requirement to safeguard investment competitiveness and industrial zones in the region.
“This is what we want to change. Because as more industrial zones and tenants emerge, 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 accelerating the overhaul of this sea-based logistics infrastructure.
Because, he explained, around 70% of container flows to Central Java still depend on Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, while only about 30% 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 overhauling sea ports in Central Java is a central government priority because logistics costs directly affect business production costs.
“One of the things we need to develop and support for Central Java 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 help drive the resolution of this 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 seen as important due to the continuously increasing industrial occupancy.
He emphasised that strengthening ports and logistics networks is an essential condition to prevent weakening investment 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 Central Java from the Ministry of Transportation.
In addition, local government heads or their representatives from Semarang City, Kendal Regency, Demak, and Batang were present, along with regional apparatus organisations (OPD) of Central Java, and officials from related institutions and agencies.