SURABAYA (ISL News) - PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS), a subsidiary of PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, which is a container terminal manager that acts as a logistics control point, actively participated as a resource person in the Field Practice Training of the School of Environmental Conservation and Environment Services Management (SECESM) 2026 held at the Tanjung Perak Main Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) on Wednesday (24/6). This involvement also emphasized the role of TPS as one of the main stakeholders in an integrated national logistics system.
As a strategic hub for the flow of export-import goods, the TPS operates within a port ecosystem involving various related agencies, including the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), Customs and Excise, the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office, the Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA), and law enforcement agencies such as the East Java Regional Police's Water Police Directorate and the Tanjung Perak Port Police. Each agency plays a role in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing the law against potential violations, including the illegal circulation of TSL.
In this context, the KSOP plays a role in overseeing shipping safety and security and coordinating port activities. Customs and Excise oversees export-import goods and prevents smuggling, including through document and container inspections. Quarantine is responsible for ensuring the biodiversity of plants and animals, including preventing the spread of diseases and invasive species. The KSDA Center has authority over the protection and identification of protected species and the enforcement of conservation laws. Meanwhile, the police, through the Water Police (Polairud) and the Port Police, carry out enforcement and legal proceedings against crimes occurring in port areas.
As a terminal operator, TPS does not perform law enforcement functions, but rather acts as a system enabler and operational facilitator, ensuring the entire process runs in an integrated and controlled manner. TPS provides a structured logistics flow from gates and yards to loading and unloading activities on ships. Furthermore, TPS also provides digital system support for container tracking, Container Freight Station (CFS) facilities, joint inspection areas, and a monitoring system that allows relevant agencies to conduct effective oversight.
Through this role, TPS becomes an “logistics control point” that supports the implementation of joint inspections by Customs and Excise and Quarantine, while also providing access and data needed in the physical inspection process of containers.
In port operations, various crimes can potentially occur, both directly related to the TSL (Environmental and Environmental Protection) and general violations. TSL-related crimes include the smuggling of protected wildlife, the illegal trade in flora and fauna, falsification of quarantine documents, and misdeclaration of container contents. Furthermore, there is the potential for other violations, such as the smuggling of prohibited goods, theft of containers, falsification of logistics documents, and security breaches in terminal areas.
To anticipate this, initial handling of any indication of criminal activity is carried out through integrated, cross-agency procedures. The process begins with early detection through risk profiling, document analysis, and intelligence information. If any indication is found, the container will be placed on hold to prevent further movement. Next, coordination is carried out between Customs and Excise, Quarantine, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (KSDA), and law enforcement officials to conduct a joint physical inspection.
During the inspection phase, container contents are identified and accompanying documents are verified. If violations are proven, the evidence will be secured by authorized agencies such as the KSDA or Quarantine, and legal proceedings will be continued by the police or relevant investigators. Throughout this process, the TPS supports the process by securing the area, providing access, and maintaining necessary operational data and system records.
Controlling the circulation of wild plants and animals is crucial, given that Indonesia has one of the world's most biodiverse countries. This effort is crucial to prevent the extinction of protected species, maintain ecosystem balance, and prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can have widespread impacts. Furthermore, TSL control is part of Indonesia's commitment to international agreements and an effort to prevent economic losses from illegal trade.
TPS Corporate Secretary, Erika Asih Palupi, said that cross-agency synergy is key to creating an effective monitoring system at the port.
"TPS, as a container terminal operator, holds a strategic position in the logistics chain. We are committed to continuing to support relevant agencies by providing integrated systems, facilities, and operational processes to ensure optimal oversight and support the protection of Indonesia's natural resources," he said.
Through strengthening collaboration, system integration, and increasing human resource capacity, it is hoped that control of the circulation of wild plants and animals at Tanjung Perak Port can be more effective, as well as emphasizing the role of the port as the front guard in environmental protection and law enforcement in the national logistics sector.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom TPS Surabaya).
