Strengthening Connectivity: Pelindo Partners with AMANAIR to Explore Seaplane Services
PT Pelabutan Indonesia (Persero), known as Pelindo, is collaborating with PT Abadi Mega Angkutan Nusantara (AMANAIR) to explore the development of seaplane services to strengthen connectivity between port areas, coastal regions, islands, and various destinations across Indonesia.
This exploration was marked by the signing of a Joint Agreement on Seaplane Operational Cooperation within the Pelindo Group, held at the Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on Monday (31/8).
Pelindo’s Commercial Director, Farid Padang, stated that the collaboration opens opportunities for port-based connectivity development while optimising Pelindo’s areas and facilities. This initiative aligns with the Danantara Indonesia transformation agenda, which encourages State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to continuously create added value for the national economy.
“As a port orchestrator and integrator, Pelindo continues to create space for collaboration to connect the port ecosystem with various modes of transport and economic activities. Together with AMANAIR, we see the potential of seaplanes as an alternative connectivity method that can complement Indonesia’s transport and maritime ecosystem. This is part of the innovation to integrate sea and air modes to assist tourist facilities as well as remote outermost regions and other national interests, such as disaster relief and social activities. However, the initial stage will begin with cooperation in the tourism and marina sectors. We will also strive to follow international conventions regarding alternative sea and air ecosystem modes and aim to become a major pilot project for Indonesia and even Southeast Asia,” said Farid.
The scope of the cooperation includes exploring seaplane transport services for passengers and cargo, as well as the development and management of water bases, terminals, and supporting facilities within port areas. The collaboration also explores connectivity to tourist destinations, Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and remote areas with economic potential, including opportunities to optimise Pelindo’s assets and facilities.
According to Farid, Indonesia’s characteristics as an archipelagic nation provide opportunities for developing alternative connectivity that can link ports with various regions possessing economic and tourism potential.
“Ports hold a strategic position as connectivity hubs. Therefore, we want to look further into how seaplanes can complement existing connectivity while opening access to areas that are potential for development,” Farid added.
Meanwhile, the President Director of PT Abadi Mega Angkutan Nusantara (AMANAIR), Michael Allan Nicholas, stated that the partnership with Pelindo provides an opportunity to explore seaplane-based connectivity as an alternative mode of inter-island transport in Indonesia.
“We see this collaboration as an opportunity to present seaplane connectivity that can connect ports, islands, and various destinations in Indonesia more flexibly,” said Michael.
As a follow-up, Pelindo and AMANAIR will conduct a joint assessment of the potential for service development in several regions. Locations under exploration include Benoa in Bali, Gilimas in Lombok, Banyuwangi, Sunda Kelapa, as well as several areas in Sulawesi, Papua, Sumatra, and other locations within the Pelindo Group.
This assessment will serve as the basis for evaluating market potential, location and facility readiness, and the feasibility of service development in each area before the cooperation proceeds to further stages.
“This is a good initial stage. We want to ensure every potential is comprehensively studied so that if developed, the service can provide added value to port areas and inter-island connectivity,” concluded Farid.