Pelindo Ports in NTT Gradually Returning to Normal, Maumere Recovery Accelerated
PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), or Pelindo, has confirmed that services at a number of ports it manages in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are gradually returning to normal following the earthquake that struck on Saturday morning (15/8). Meanwhile, handling and recovery at Maumere Port in Sikka Regency is being accelerated after several facilities were affected.
The earthquake caused varying levels of impact on a number of ports across NTT. Based on field inspections and monitoring, most ports have been able to resume normal operational activities.
On Flores Island, Labuan Bajo Port and Ende Ippi Port, which experienced power supply disruptions (blackouts) in the morning, have now returned to normal operations. Both ports are able to serve passenger and cargo vessels, including loading and unloading activities.
Meanwhile, Waingapu, Kupang, and Kalabahi ports only experienced minor impacts without significant disruption to operational activities. All services at these three ports are currently running normally.
Pelindo Executive Director 3, Wahyu Widodo, said Pelindo continues to inspect port facilities and coordinate with the TNI/Polri, regional governments, and relevant stakeholders to ensure safety and continuity of services.
“Ports play an important role in community connectivity and logistics distribution in NTT. Therefore, we continue to ensure services can run safely and optimally. Specifically in Maumere, we are accelerating recovery together with all relevant parties while prioritising safety as the main concern,” said Wahyu.
Compared to other ports, Maumere Port experienced more significant impacts. A number of facilities in the terminal section and ship movement area at Berth 4 were affected by the earthquake. The berth, which serves Ro-Ro and passenger vessels, is temporarily unusable as it is still undergoing cleaning and material handling.
The handling process is being carried out together with relevant stakeholders, including the Indonesian Navy, after a ship gangway fell in the berth area. Pelindo continues to accelerate the cleaning process and facility inspections so that the berth can be used again once all safety aspects are confirmed to be met.
Amid the recovery process, container services at Maumere Port continue to operate normally, ensuring logistics services through the container terminal can continue. Pelindo is also continuing to monitor the condition of port facilities in NTT and coordinate with relevant agencies to anticipate post-earthquake developments.
“We appreciate the support of the TNI/Polri, regional governments, relevant agencies, and all parties who have jointly assisted in the post-earthquake handling process. We also ask for the understanding of service users if there are still service adjustments at Maumere Port. Pelindo will continue to accelerate the recovery process so that services can soon return to normal while prioritising safety,” concluded Wahyu.