BELAWAN, NORTH SUMATRA (ISL News) - Container loading and unloading activity at two major ports in North Sumatra is showing an increasing trend. As of September 2025, PT Prima Multi Terminal (PMT) recorded container volume reaching 517,584 TEUs, an increase of approximately 9 percent compared to the same period last year.
This increase is a positive sign for the logistics sector in western Indonesia. Two terminals managed by PMT, Terminal 1 Belawan and Terminal 2 Kuala Tanjung, are the main pillars of this growth.
At Belawan Terminal, domestic container throughput was recorded at 469,153 TEUs, an increase of approximately 10 percent compared to the previous year. This surge was driven by increased industrial and trade activity in North Sumatra.
Meanwhile, Kuala Tanjung Terminal recorded a significant increase in international container flows. Export-import container volumes surged from 695 TEUs in September 2024 to 9,224 TEUs in September 2025, an increase of over 1,000 percent.
This growth reflects a strong recovery in the foreign trade sector, while strengthening Kuala Tanjung's position as a strategic port for exports and imports in western Indonesia.
To offset the increase in logistics flows, PMT has implemented a number of efficiency measures, including rearranging the stacking yard and optimizing the loading and unloading process at the dock.
This effort succeeded in increasing the effective time to berthing time ratio at Belawan Terminal by 5 percent, to 83.32 percent by September 2025.
Acting President Director of PT PMT, Rudi Susanto, attributed this achievement to the collective work of all elements within the company. "We see this positive trend as the result of continuous improvement measures. Our focus is not only on increasing volume, but also on making every operational process run faster, safer, and more efficiently," he said.
Rudi emphasized that PMT's position as the manager of two vital terminals carries a significant responsibility to support regional economic growth. "This increase in container throughput reflects the business community's confidence in the continuously improving port services in North Sumatra. We strive to maintain this momentum through increased efficiency and consistent service," he said.
In addition to increasing efficiency, PMT also prioritizes occupational safety. The company implements an Occupational Safety and Health (K3) program with a target of zero workplace accidents, through field supervision, regular training, and the implementation of safety standards across all port facilities. "Safety is key to sustainable, productive operations," Rudi added.
Data from the North Sumatra Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the province's economy continues to improve. In the second quarter of 2025, the manufacturing sector grew 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year. This industrial growth has also driven increased logistics activity at the ports of Belawan and Kuala Tanjung.
With its strategic position as Indonesia's western gateway and vast natural resource potential, North Sumatra is considered to have strong potential to develop into a national industrial and logistics hub. PMT is optimistic that it can strengthen its role as a reliable port operator in the western region while making a significant contribution to the national economy.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom Prima Multi Terminal/PMT).
