As the world’s largest archipelagic country, Indonesia can potentially become a global maritime axis.
This makes the maritime industry the backbone of domestic logistics; thus, creating an integrated connectivity ecosystem is crucial from the sea, land, and air connectivity perspective.
The maritime ecosystem is not merely a collection of companies operating at sea and ports but a dynamic network of various business players, from port operators to logistics companies to the shipping industry.
Each element in this ecosystem is interconnected and plays a vital role in creating synergy to drive sustainable maritime economic growth.
Arif Suhartono, President Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), stated that ports play a critical role in maritime connectivity as 90 percent of Indonesia’s export-import value is handled through sea transportation.
In terms of reducing logistics costs, lowering port stay is considered a significant contributor to reducing logistics expenses.
“To improve service quality to meet global standards, PT Pelindo is currently undergoing service transformation to reduce port stay time,” he said at the seminar and book review of Membangun Pelabuhan untuk Indonesia Emas 2045 (Building Ports for Indonesia Emas 2045), held at the UGM Master of Management, Monday (Feb. 24).
He mentioned that port transformation has significantly impacted Pelindo itself in terms of operational cost efficiency, the potential for increased traffic, and improved competence and knowledge.
Customers will benefit from reduced port stays and cargo stays, optimized berthing windows, and savings on ship rental costs.
Broadly, the benefits for the maritime ecosystem include contributing to lower logistics costs and supporting maritime connectivity.
Pelindo is also continuing efforts to digitize and standardize operational service systems to support the National Logistics Ecosystem Program.
In its active role within the national logistics ecosystem, Pelindo continues to facilitate terminal operator platforms by consolidating terminal systems and transactions, actively collaborating with other NLE entities from both the government and private sectors.
These various transformations, including aspects such as standardizing operational services, port service digitization, Pelindo Group service integration, business model transformation, commercial transformation, and financial transformation, have created value after the company’s merger.
“The total realization of post-merger value creation reached IDR 5.44 trillion from the total target of IDR 6.08 trillion, achieving 90 percent,” concluded Suhartono.
Professor Danang Parikesit from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), mentioned several port policies in Indonesia and global policy trends that need attention in his presentation.
The main focus is on digitization and smart logistics that integrate ports into global networks. Global ports are implementing KPI systems based on big data and AI to monitor operational performance.
He mentioned that global trends show an increase in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) schemes, including through Green Financing and the implementation of green carbon credits.
Other issues include tightening Green Port Regulations in Europe and North America, with advanced ports adopting renewable energy like solar and wind power, cold ironing, and terminal electrification becoming global standards.
Attention must also be paid to global smart ports using blockchain for supply chain transparency and cybersecurity, which are becoming major concerns for digital ports.
“Ports with supply chain visibility platforms and autonomous trucking are being tested in several advanced ports, and digital twin technology is increasingly being adopted,” said Professor Parikesit.
The seminar and book review of Seri Kapita Selekta Pengembangan Pelabuhan di Indonesia, organized by the UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies (Pustral UGM) in collaboration with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) or Pelindo, served as a form of knowledge sharing and is one of the key enablers for increasing efficiency, promoting innovation, and encouraging collaboration across industry players.
Through the exchange of experiences, technological innovations, and best practices, each business player is expected to enhance competitiveness and strengthen the overall foundation of the maritime ecosystem.
Professor Sari Wahyuni from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, highlighted several sustainable port strategies that cover economic, social, environmental, partnership, and peace aspects in her discussion.
The economic aspect involves increasing the competitiveness and profitability of ports sustainably without depleting natural resources, while the social aspect relates to the welfare and quality of life of the communities around the ports, harmonious and synergistic relationships with stakeholders, and the safety and security of workers and the public.
Other important aspects include the environmental aspect, which involves strategies for waste reduction, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, as well as environmentally friendly practices in port operations, such as the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, the partnership aspect focuses on considering stakeholders (government, port operators, shipping companies, and local communities, for example) to mitigate environmental impacts.
“Finally, the peace aspect refers to political stability in Indonesia, which is crucial for ensuring smooth port operations and supply chain continuity,” she said.
The Kapita Selekta book series reflects the seriousness of SOEs in developing port resources for practitioners, regulators, academics, and the general public.
The book’s respondents included Ihsanuddin Usman (Director of Human Resources and General Affairs at Pelindo), Gugus Wijonarko (Barunawati Maritime and Port Management Academy/Stiamak), and Harry Sutanto, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI) for Maritime and Port Affairs.
Professor Raja Oloan Saut Gurning from the Faculty of Marine Technology, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Surabaya, moderated the discussion.
The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PT Pelindo and UGM regarding cooperation in education, research, and community service.
It also covered collaboration on the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program, internships, and other agreed-upon areas.
The seminar was attended by around 400 participants in person and around 800 participants online via Zoom and YouTube.
The event was enlivened by the Bara Mustaka dance and a Kahoot game, which offered prizes such as gadgets and laptops.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie