Zulhas: Port Transformation Supports Food Security

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan stated that transforming ports into green and smart ecosystems is a strategic step to support the realisation of national food security.

Speaking at the Green, Smart Port Initiative (GSPI) ASRI event at the PT Petrokimia Gresik Jetty in East Java on Wednesday, Zulkifli Hasan, commonly known as Zulhas, said ports are strategic nodes connecting production, distribution, and food availability across Indonesia. He noted that transforming the port ecosystem would have a significant impact.

He explained that food security is no longer determined solely by production output, as a reliable logistics system is also key to ensuring food reaches all regions effectively and efficiently. Therefore, he stressed that transforming ports into green and smart ecosystems is no longer an option but a necessity.

The push for port transformation in Indonesia is supported by the Green, Smart Port Initiative (GSPI) ASRI, a government appreciation programme led by the Coordinating Ministry for Food and IDSurvey. The programme focuses on two main aspects: environmental conservation through green ports, which ensure environmentally friendly operations via coastal ecosystem management such as mangroves, carbon emission reduction, and energy efficiency; and digitalisation through smart ports, which implement digital technology and operational system integration to reduce logistics costs and accelerate the flow of goods.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa affirmed her region’s readiness to support the green and smart port initiative to facilitate distribution, supply chains, and the logistics sector. She stated that the East Java Provincial Government is prepared to support port transformation towards becoming smart, efficient, and competitive.