West Kalimantan launches direct export services via Kijing Port

The Provincial Government of West Kalimantan has commenced direct export services through the Kijing Terminal in Mempawah Regency, a strategic move to reduce logistics costs, accelerate goods distribution, and strengthen the global competitiveness of regional products. Governor Ria Norsan stated on Monday that the inaugural export marked a new milestone in the development of West Kalimantan’s logistics and international trade sectors. The initial export value reached USD 1.206 million, or approximately IDR 21.49 billion, involving several companies with various leading commodities. PT Indonesia Chemical Alumina exported 150 containers of alumina to South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia shipped 12 containers of alumina hydroxide, whilst PT Unicoc Industries Indonesia sent two containers of desiccated coconut to Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. PT Ferrindo exported 10 containers of whole coconuts to Yangpu, China. To support international distribution, the terminal employs two shipping schemes: a direct call to Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, and a transshipment service via Pasir Gudang to Yangpu, China, and other Asian destinations. Governor Ria Norsan added that the successful launch of exports through Kijing Terminal complements the strengthening of West Kalimantan’s international connectivity, following the inauguration of a direct Scoot flight route between Singapore and Pontianak on the same day. He noted that the combination of sea and air connectivity would provide broader access for the province’s leading commodities, including crude palm oil and its derivatives, rubber, coconut, cocoa, fishery products, forestry products, alumina, and SME products, to penetrate global markets. He urged all stakeholders, from Pelindo to customs, quarantine, immigration, shipping operators, and businesses, to strengthen synergy so that Kijing Terminal can develop into an efficient, secure, and competitive international logistics hub, reinforcing West Kalimantan’s position as an international trade gateway in western Indonesia. The Governor highlighted that previously, most of the province’s export commodities had to be shipped through ports outside West Kalimantan, resulting in higher logistics costs and longer delivery times. With Kijing Terminal operating as a direct export gateway, the logistics chain becomes shorter, distribution costs more efficient, and the competitiveness of regional products increases. He added that the terminal’s operations would have a multiplier effect on the regional economy, including increased investment, job creation, and improved community welfare. Separately, PT Pulau Laut Line Chief Executive Officer Welter Ong said his shipping company chose to open services at Kijing Terminal because of its modern facilities capable of handling large vessels for international shipping. He expressed optimism that the presence of this service would attract more international shipping companies to operate in West Kalimantan, thereby strengthening Kijing Terminal’s position as a new logistics hub in western Indonesia.