Importers Complain of Container Exit Permit Suspension
The General Chairman of the National Association of Importers Throughout Indonesia (GINSI), Subandi, has received notification of a temporary suspension in the issuance of gate passes or TILA by container terminal operator companies at ports. As a result of the suspension, importers are unable to remove goods from shipping containers at the port.
“There was no such suspension last year,” Subandi said via text message on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
In documents shared by Subandi, three container terminals announced a temporary suspension on goods collection permits. These three terminals include the New Priok Container Terminal One (NPCT1).
Subandi is unaware of when the permit suspension will end. However, he estimates the suspension runs from 16–26 March 2026 or during the Eid holiday period.
Beyond its impact on importers, Subandi said the permit suspension could affect domestic industries that require raw materials from import activities. As a result, production activities could be disrupted.
Subandi stated that logistics companies could also be affected by the obstacles in collecting goods from containers, as companies cannot operate without shipments, which will impact the livelihoods of logistics workers.
He stated that importers could potentially pay container demurrage fines of US$80 per day due to containers still being held at the terminal. Container demurrage is a fine imposed by shipping companies on importers when containers are held at the terminal beyond the agreed free time period.
He estimates losses from demurrage fines could reach billions of rupiah. According to him, the permit suspension has already been implemented at Tanjung Priok Port.
Tempo attempted to contact the Director of Operations at New Priok Container Terminal One, Rino Wisnu Putro, regarding the reasons for the suspension of TILA issuance. However, Rino Wisnu Putro has not responded to questions sent by Tempo via WhatsApp messaging application until this article was published.