West Kalimantan launches direct export services via Kijing Port
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government has commenced direct export services through the Kijing Terminal in Mempawah Regency, as a strategic move to cut logistics costs, accelerate goods distribution, and strengthen the competitiveness of regional products in the global market.
Speaking at the Kijing Terminal on Monday, West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan stated that the first export, marked by the departure of containers, serves as a momentum and a new milestone in the development of the logistics sector and international trade in West Kalimantan.
The value of the inaugural export through Kijing Terminal reached 1.206 million US dollars (USD), or approximately IDR 21.49 billion, involving several companies with various flagship commodities from the province. PT Indonesia Chemical Alumina exported 150 containers of alumina to South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia shipped 12 containers of alumina hydroxide, and PT Unicoc Industries Indonesia exported two containers of desiccated coconut to Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.
Additionally, PT Ferrindo exported 10 containers of whole coconuts to Yangpu, China.
To support international distribution, the Governor noted that Kijing Terminal implements two shipping schemes: direct calls to Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, and transshipment via Pasir Gudang before continuing to Yangpu, China, and several other destination countries in the Asian region.
Ria Norsan added that the success of the first export through Kijing Terminal complements the strengthening of West Kalimantan’s international connectivity, following the inauguration of the direct Scoot flight route (Singapore-Pontianak-Singapore) on the same day.
According to him, the combination of maritime and air connectivity will provide wider access for West Kalimantan’s flagship commodities, such as CPO and its derivatives, rubber, coconut, cocoa, fishery products, forestry products, alumina, and MSME products to penetrate the global market.
He called upon all stakeholders—including PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), Customs, Quarantine, Immigration, shipping operators, and business actors—to continue strengthening synergy so that Kijing Terminal can develop into an efficient, safe, and competitive international logistics hub, and strengthen West Kalimantan’s position as an international trade gateway in western Indonesia.
Ria Norsan noted that, previously, most of West Kalimantan’s export commodities had to be sent through ports outside the province, resulting in higher logistics costs and longer shipping times. “With the operation of Kijing Terminal as a direct export gateway, the logistics chain becomes shorter, distribution costs become more efficient, and the competitiveness of regional products increases,” he said.
He believes the operations of Kijing Terminal will provide a multiplier effect on the regional economy, ranging from increased investment and job creation to improved community welfare. “Kijing Terminal must become the engine of economic growth in West Kalimantan. When logistics costs are lower, investment will grow, jobs will increase, and the benefits will be felt directly by the community,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of PT Pulau Laut Line, Welter Ong, stated that his shipping company chose to open services at Kijing Terminal because the port possesses modern facilities capable of serving large vessels for international shipping. “Kijing Terminal was built for larger ships and international voyages. We are focusing on international cargo and feeder services,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the presence of these services will attract more international shipping companies to operate in West Kalimantan, thereby strengthening Kijing Terminal’s position as a new logistics centre in the western region of Indonesia.