Tuesday, 10 November 2026
BELAWAN | INDATANEWS.COM - State-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), known as Pelindo, is strengthening its port infrastructure and services to support Indonesia's national food security programme. Through the modernisation of cargo-handling facilities, improved terminal productivity and integrated logistics services, the company aims to ensure the smoother distribution of food commodities and other essential goods across Indonesia.
These efforts were highlighted during a working visit to Belawan Port in North Sumatra by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi on Monday, 9 November 2026. The visit focused on assessing the readiness of port infrastructure and operational activities to support greater efficiency throughout the national supply chain.The inspection also underlined the strategic role of ports as major hubs in the movement of goods. Efficient port operations directly affect the availability of staple foods, price stability and the timely delivery of food commodities to different parts of the country.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said the government wanted to ensure that all transport and logistics facilities were fully prepared to operate efficiently. This was particularly important ahead of Christmas and New Year, as well as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when public demand for essential food supplies typically increases.
Zulkifli stressed that the government would not tolerate distribution disruptions that could affect food availability for the public. Pelindo and all relevant stakeholders must therefore ensure reliable transport, sufficient stocks, stable prices and the smooth distribution of essential commodities."Transport, logistics and freight services must operate properly. Pelindo must be ready to handle logistics distribution. We must not allow delays in the delivery of staple foods that could cause difficulties for the public. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed us that there must be no problems whatsoever, particularly concerning staple foods, whether in transport, stock availability, prices or distribution," Zulkifli said.
His statement highlights the fact that port readiness involves much more than ensuring smooth shipping and cargo-handling operations. Port infrastructure also plays a crucial role in maintaining continuous food supplies, particularly in regions that rely on maritime transport to connect distribution networks across Indonesia's islands.Delivery delays can affect the availability of commodities in local markets and potentially place additional pressure on prices. The government is therefore encouraging closer coordination between port operators, transport companies and relevant authorities to minimise disruptions at every stage of the supply chain.
According to Dudy, improvements in port services would accelerate the movement of goods while ensuring that food commodities reached their destinations efficiently and on time. This is particularly important during periods of increased commercial activity and logistics demand.
"Port transformation is one of the key factors in improving the efficiency of the national logistics system. Through infrastructure modernisation, increased cargo-handling productivity and stronger connectivity between regions, we want to ensure that the distribution of goods, including food commodities, runs smoothly and on time, particularly ahead of periods when public demand increases," Dudy said.In line with the government's priorities, Pelindo President Director Achmad Muchtasyar said the company had made operational reliability one of its main priorities in supporting national food security.
Achmad explained that ports occupied a strategic position within the supply chain because they connected commercial activities, maritime transport and the distribution of goods to different regions. Pelindo was therefore continuing to improve productivity and service efficiency to ensure that food commodities could be transported more quickly, safely and punctually."Ports are major hubs in the national logistics network and play a strategic role in maintaining the smooth operation of food supply chains. That is why we continue to promote higher productivity and more efficient port services so that food commodities can be distributed quickly, safely and on time," Achmad said.
During the visit, Zulkifli Hasan and Dudy Purwagandhi, accompanied by their delegation, inspected several strategically important facilities within the Belawan Port complex.
The delegation first visited Bandar Deli Passenger Terminal to review the readiness of its passenger facilities. They then continued to Prima Multi Terminal (PMT), where they inspected cargo-handling activities supported by the addition of two new Container Cranes (CC) and four new Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) units.The additional equipment forms part of efforts to increase the capacity and productivity of the container terminal. Adequate cargo-handling machinery is expected to accelerate the transfer of goods between ships and the quayside, helping to improve vessel turnaround times.
The delegation also reviewed the use of HiCo Scan container-scanning technology, which supports container inspection activities within the port. The visit then continued to Belawan New Container Terminal (BNCT), where the officials observed cargo-handling operations involving international vessels.The inspection demonstrated that port transformation depends on more than physical infrastructure investment. It also requires modern technology, reliable equipment and operationally prepared personnel. These elements must work together to ensure that increased port capacity delivers tangible improvements in the movement of goods.
Pelindo also considers cross-sector collaboration essential to the success of this transformation. Coordination with ministries, government agencies, state-owned enterprises, transport operators and business stakeholders must continue to improve to prevent disruptions throughout the supply chain.Achmad said he had instructed all Pelindo units to give particular attention to maintaining smooth logistics services for strategic food commodities. These priorities include vessel services, loading and unloading operations, and the efficient movement of goods out of port areas.
"We have instructed all Pelindo units to ensure the smooth operation of logistics services for food commodities, including rice, maize, wheat and other strategic goods. This will be achieved by prioritising vessel services, cargo-handling activities and the smooth movement of goods out of the port. We are also continuing to strengthen coordination with ministries, government agencies, state-owned enterprises and relevant stakeholders. For Pelindo, supporting food security is not merely an operational duty; it is part of the company's strategic responsibility in serving the national interest," Achmad concluded.The improvements to Belawan Port's infrastructure and services are expected to contribute to the smooth distribution of food supplies across Indonesia. Through higher terminal productivity, the use of modern technology and stronger institutional coordination, the port is expected to play an increasingly important role in maintaining supply continuity and strengthening Indonesia's logistics system, particularly ahead of periods of peak public demand. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Budi Hermansyah | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
