Pelindo Container Terminal Demonstrates Positive Performance Amid Global Turbulence

The global logistics industry faces pressures from rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Amid this situation, the performance of several domestic Container Terminals (TPK) shows a positive trend in the first quarter of 2026.

Data compiled from PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (SPTP) indicates that 10 terminals managed to exceed targets up to March 2026. These container terminals (TPK) include TPK Nilam, which reached 118.24% of target, TPK Semarang at 117.26%, TPK Sorong at 109.02%, TPK Kendari at 107.03%, TPK Teluk Lamong at 105.1%, TPK Merauke at 103.86%, TPK Surabaya at 102.09%, TPK Jayapura at 101.36%, TPK Makassar at 100.75%, and IPC Terminal Petikemas at 100.6%.

This achievement reflects high loading and unloading activity as well as increasing goods distribution flows in each region, including eastern Indonesia.

At PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL) Merauke, for example, container flows increased by around 10 percent. The Head of the Merauke Branch of PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL), Puji Harmoko, stated that this increase aligns with the designation of Merauke as a National Strategic Project (PSN).

“This increase aligns with the designation of Merauke as a National Strategic Project (PSN). A lot of construction materials and heavy equipment are coming in from Java Island,” explained Puji Harmoko when contacted on Monday, 20 April 2026.

In addition, the commodities entering TPK Merauke have also changed. “Commodities such as fruits, onions, and plantation products are starting to arrive in larger quantities, opening up new economic potential for the easternmost region of Indonesia,” he said.

However, logistics growth alone is currently insufficient. Without infrastructure support, operational efficiency, and appropriate policies, the logistics burden could continue to pressure businesses and the public.

Meanwhile, at TPK Sorong, the container throughput reached 16,131 TEUs, a 10 percent growth compared to the company’s target up to March 2026 of 14,616 TEUs.

This increase was partly triggered by the momentum of goods transportation during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period from February to March, as well as additional container flows from changes in the distribution pattern (transhipment) of PT SPIL ships, which now pass through Sorong Port.

The Terminal Head of TPK Sorong, Welta Selfie, stated that this growth is inseparable from the terminal’s transformation process. “Sorong Port, which previously operated conventionally, has now developed into a more modern and standardised container terminal,” she said.