Logistics Association: Proposal for 4 Bali Ports Requires Further Study
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
The Chairman of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarder Association (ALFI), Akbar Djohan, has reminded that the proposal to build four new logistics ports in Bali requires careful study, particularly regarding connectivity and the readiness of the supporting industrial ecosystem.
“Actually, the key is not measured by the number of ports, but by how the connectivity between existing ports and cargo off-takers or the existing industrial ecosystem works. So that the infrastructure built, in this case ports, is not in vain,” Akbar said during a press conference for the kick-off of ALFI Convex 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday.
Because, based on previous experience, he said, several ports built using state funds have not had a significant impact on the economy.
This becomes an important lesson so that every investment decision in the port sector truly considers supporting factors comprehensively.
“So my suggestion is not about us wanting to join in there, but we must look again at the supporting factors, especially the ecosystem. Whether the port investment will not be wasteful later,” he explained.
Akbar also revealed that Indonesia currently has around 2,700 ports. However, the main issue still faced remains the same, namely weak inter-regional connectivity.
“That’s why with the existing ports now numbering around 2,700—not including rat ports—the issue we face is the lack of proper connectivity between ports, between islands, so it’s no wonder our logistics costs are still high,” he clarified.
Previously, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster proposed the construction of four logistics transport ports to ease the density of crossing traffic from Ketapang Port to Gilimanuk Port.
The four proposed ports are located in Celukan Bawang and Sangsit in Buleleng Regency, Amed in Karangasem Regency, and Gunaksa in Klungkung Regency.
Koster explained that the increase in transportation flow from Java to Bali is occurring along with the rising number of passengers and tourists, especially after the Java toll road network is approaching Banyuwangi.
“Why are we proposing this? Because transportation from Java to Bali is increasing, especially general passengers as well as tourists from Java, because the Java toll road is already approaching Banyuwangi so now there are more tourists not taking air transport, but many using private vehicles,” Koster said.