Minister Inspects Thousands of Containers Piling Up at Tanjung Priok

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed the causes behind the accumulation of thousands of containers at Tanjung Priok Port. He made these remarks following a direct inspection of the Tanjung Priok Container Terminal on Saturday (6/6/2026).

Purbaya explained that one of the primary causes is a surge in the volume of incoming imported goods in recent periods. As a result, he noted, the processes for service and cargo release have become slower, leading to container congestion within the port area.

In addition to the import surge, Purbanya also discovered that certain goods have completed the administrative process but have not been promptly collected by their owners. He stated that some importers allow goods to remain at the port for extended periods.

He suspects that several business actors are intentionally leaving goods at the port because storage fees are deemed cheaper than renting warehouses outside the port area.

Purbaya emphasised that such practices cannot be permitted, as they have the potential to hinder the smooth operation of loading, unloading, and national logistics distribution.

Consequently, Purbaya has requested the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to review new regulations regarding the time limits for goods storage at the port. The government is also considering the imposition of sanctions on goods that remain stagnant for too long.