International container traffic growth reaches 11%
Rising goods movement through ports, particularly container traffic—a key indicator of production, trade, consumption, investment, and national distribution activities—signals positive prospects for the national economy in early 2026. By April 2026, container traffic handled by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), or Pelindo, reached 6.42 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), a 7% increase from the same period last year’s 5.99 million TEUs.
This growth indicates robust national logistics activity despite global economic dynamics. Ports play a strategic role as the main hub of the national supply chain, facilitating the movement of raw materials, consumer goods, export commodities, and industrial capital equipment.
The container traffic increase stems not only from import-export activity but also domestic distribution. ‘This growth is supported by an 11% rise in the international segment, with exports up 10% and imports up 12%. Domestic container traffic grew by 4%, with discharge activities rising 5% and loading up 4%,’ said Pelindo’s CEO, Achmad Muchtasyar.
This demonstrates Indonesia’s resilient foreign trade, while inter-island cargo distribution remains strong to support consumer demand and regional economic activity.
The rise in exports and imports reflects Indonesia’s trade resilience amid global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and economic slowdowns in some countries. A key factor is Indonesia’s trade structure, which remains heavily focused on intra-Asia, particularly China and ASEAN.
In national trade distribution, China and ASEAN account for 46.2% of Indonesia’s exports and 56.5% of imports. This trade structure provides a buffer as most cargo flows within regions featuring strong, stable, and integrated trade relationships.
According to BPS data, several container-based export commodities showed positive growth, including animal and vegetable fats and oils up 7.95%, mechanical machinery 9.26%, electrical machinery 4.9%, and various chemical products 12.27%.
The export growth indicates ongoing processing industry and value-added commodity trade activities, signalling positive prospects for sustained manufacturing and national trade.
On the import side, increases were notable in mechanical machinery (22.1%), electrical machinery (17.91%), optical instruments (20.8%), and various chemical products (36.31%). This import structure reflects strong demand for capital goods, production machinery, industrial components, and manufacturing support materials, closely tied to investment activities, production capacity expansion, and the national downstreaming agenda.
Container traffic growth was also observed at major ports handling national export-import activities, including Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Emas in Semarang, and Tanjung Perak in Surabaya. Loading and unloading activities at these key ports indicate a resilient national supply chain and trade distribution network.
Rising international throughput at major terminals signals strengthened logistics and trade activities in Indonesia’s key industrial zones.
Domestic cargo distribution to eastern Indonesia shows economic activity is no longer confined to the western regions. Tanjung Priok port recorded 8% domestic growth, driven by increased container shipments to eastern ports.
Tanjung Perak port grew 2%, supported by enhanced services to Makassar, Kendari, and Berau. Makassar port recorded 7% growth, driven by agricultural commodities such as rice, corn, and other crops amid rising economic activity in South Sulawesi and surrounding areas.
This domestic growth aligns with robust household consumption and national manufacturing activities, the mainstays of Indonesia’s economy. Sustained inter-island cargo distribution reflects effective logistical connectivity supporting public needs, industrial operations, and regional economic balance.
With this growth trend, port service enhancements are increasingly vital. Terminal productivity, service digitalisation, equipment readiness, facility reliability, and national supply chain integration must be continuously improved to ensure smooth, efficient, and competitive cargo flows.
Reliable logistical connectivity is crucial for supporting national economic growth, international trade, domestic distribution, investment, industrial downstreaming, and equitable economic activity across regions.
Director General of Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Transportation, Muhammad Masyhud, stated the government continues to urge port operators to enhance container handling capacity and services. ‘One step taken is issuing technical recommendations to designate multipurpose facilities as dedicated container terminals,’ he said. Subsequently, these terminals are designated as container terminals by the Port Authority (KSOP).