SURABAYA (ISL News) - Introducing children to the world of ports doesn't always have to be done in a rigid manner. Through Portground Vol. 1, PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (Pelindo TPK) provides a fun learning environment for children to learn about the important role of ports, safety, and the dangers of narcotics from an early age.
This activity, initiated by Pelindo TPK, was held at PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya on Monday, July 6, 2026. Pelindo TPK collaborated with the Surabaya City National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Surabaya City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to provide a more comprehensive educational experience for participants.
Portground Vol. 1 was attended by children in grades 5 and 6 of elementary school (SD) and grades 7 and 8 of junior high school (SMP) from various cities in East Java. Enthusiasm for the program was very high. Of the target 50 participants, approximately 555 children registered for the activity.
Through Portground, children are invited not only to listen to explanations but also to observe firsthand the activities within the port environment. They are introduced to the role of ports in everyday life, from the flow of goods and containers to how ports support the distribution of community needs.
PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas Corporate Secretary, Widyaswendra, said that Portground is part of the company's efforts to build early awareness about the strategic role of ports.
"Building awareness from an early age is a long-term investment. Through Portground, we want to invite children to see firsthand the activities at the port, understand how the goods they use every day reach various regions, and foster their curiosity about the world of ports. We hope this activity will be a memorable experience for the participants," said Widyaswendra.
He added that the high number of applicants demonstrates that education about ports holds a unique appeal for both children and parents. He believes that ports play a crucial role in supporting connectivity and the national economy, so introducing them to the younger generation needs to be done in a simple, enjoyable, and easy-to-understand manner.
In addition to exploring the port, Portground Vol. 1 participants also received education on the dangers of narcotics from the Surabaya City National Narcotics Agency (BNN). The Head of the Surabaya City BNN, Heru Prasetyo, stated that the dangers of narcotics need to be introduced to children from an early age, in line with the BNN RI's National Anti-Narcotics Action Starting with Drug-Free Children (ANANDA BERSINAR) program.
"Children are the next generation who need to be equipped with an understanding of the importance of maintaining good health, choosing positive social circles, and having the courage to reject negative influences. Through activities like Portground, health education can be delivered in a lighter, more enjoyable, and more accessible way," said Heru.
Meanwhile, the Surabaya City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) also provided education on disaster safety and preparedness. Nadya Sukma Batubara, a member of the Surabaya BPBD's Prevention and Preparedness Team, stated that safety awareness needs to be developed from an early age to prepare children for emergencies.
"Safety is a fundamental skill that every child should possess. Through this activity, we want to introduce simple steps regarding preparedness, what to do in an emergency, and the importance of not panicking and following the instructions of officers," said Nadya.
One of the participants, Raff Yehezkiel Hutapea from Bunga Bangsa Elementary School, Surabaya, said he was happy to be able to take part in the Portground activity because he gained new experiences that he had never had before.
"I was happy to see the port up close. It made me realize how large the container terminal is and how much cargo is shipped there," Raff said.
Lysa Octaviani, one of the parents, also expressed positive feedback. She described Portground as a productive and beneficial holiday activity for her children.
"This activity was a great way to spend the children's holidays productively. The children not only played, but also learned new things about ports, the dangers of narcotics, and safety. Hopefully, activities like this can continue in the future, so that children have more opportunities to learn about the world of ports," said Lysa Octaviani.
Portground Vol. 1 is expected to be the first step in bringing port education programs closer to the community, especially children. Through collaboration between the port sector, health institutions, and disaster management agencies, this activity becomes a learning space that is not only informative but also provides participants with a lasting, hands-on experience.
(Redaksi ISL News/Corcom PTP-TPS Surabaya).
