BITUNG INDONESIA (ISL News) — Bitung Container Terminal or Terminal Petikemas Bitung (TPK Bitung) closed 2025 with positive performance and container traffic growth that exceeded its target and increased to 104.04% year-on-year (YoY). This achievement confirms TPK Bitung's role as a strategic logistics hub in North Sulawesi and Eastern Indonesia.
TPK Bitung Terminal Head, Jusri, stated that in 2025, container throughput will reach 292,038 TEUs, an increase compared to 2024's 280,699 TEUs.
"Our 2025 achievements demonstrate our commitment to continuously improving service quality and maintaining customer trust. TPK Bitung has grown not only in terms of volume but also in terms of operational reliability," said Jusri.
Throughout 2025, TPK Bitung continued to focus on service reliability and operational performance improvements. Despite facing equipment readiness challenges mid-year, management took swift and measured steps by strengthening operational planning, accelerating equipment repairs, optimizing digital-based service systems, and collaborating with shipping companies, associations, and port stakeholders. These efforts successfully maintained smooth service at the dockside and in the stacking yard.
The growth in container traffic also reflects increased economic activity and goods distribution in Bitung, Manado, and the surrounding areas. Leading regional commodities such as fisheries, coconuts and their derivatives, and other industrial products are increasingly using containers, including reefer containers. Furthermore, transshipment activity to Ternate, Tangkiang, and Gorontalo has contributed to the increase in terminal volume.
The Bitung Container Terminal's performance aligns with positive regional economic trends. Data from the North Sulawesi Province Statistics Agency (BPS) shows continued growth in foreign trade throughout 2025, evidenced by increased regional export performance and a relatively stable trade balance. This confirms that the terminal's growth is in line with North Sulawesi's economic dynamics.
Ella, the owner of PT Rossela, one of the JPT companies partnering with TPK Bitung, expressed her appreciation and willingness to continue providing positive input for TPK Bitung's performance in supporting the acceleration of logistics in the Eastern Indonesia region.
"TPK Bitung must continue to maintain and improve its quality in facing operational challenges," said Ella.
The Deputy Speaker of the Bitung City Council (DPRD), Ronald Gunawan Kansil, stated that the growth in container traffic is a concrete demonstration of the improved service quality provided by the Bitung Port Authority (TPK). This provides a strong basis for the government in formulating policies that support the development of the port sector. The Gerindra Party politician also hopes that the TPK Bitung will prioritize service to service users, so that achievements are measured not only by increased cargo volume but also by optimal service delivery.
"If service to service users is made a top priority, its achievements will certainly continue to grow and make Bitung Container Terminal a strategic logistics hub in Eastern Indonesia," he concluded.
Looking ahead to 2026, Bitung Container Terminal expressed optimism for sustainable growth. The company has prepared various follow-up measures, including strengthening predictive maintenance, improving equipment readiness and sustainability, restructuring operational areas, and planning investments and strengthening human resources. All these efforts are aimed at increasing productivity, service speed, and the terminal's competitiveness.
With a solid 2025 performance foundation and support for regional economic growth, Bitung Container Terminal is optimistic that it can continue to contribute as a driver of logistics and economic growth in North Sulawesi in the years to come.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom SPTP).
