MERAUKE (ISL News) - Merauke Container Terminal (TPK) once again recorded impressive operational performance in the first semester of 2026. Until the end of June 2026, the total flow of containers served reached 27,523 TEUs, a jump of 11.44 percent compared to the same period in 2025 which was recorded at 24,698 TEUs.
This significant increase reflects the maintained operational services of the terminal and confirms Pelindo's role in supporting the smooth flow of logistics in the South Papua region.
Head of the Merauke Terminal Terminal (TPK Merauke), Muhammad Rasul Irmadani, explained that this positive achievement is inseparable from the movement of the economy and massive infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia.
"This surge in goods flow is also driven by high demand for materials to support various ongoing National Strategic Projects (PSN), particularly in the South Papua region," Rasul said.
He further added that the achievements in the first half of 2026 were the result of the company's commitment to consistently maintaining operational efficiency.
"This increase demonstrates that logistics activities in Merauke continue to grow rapidly. We view this achievement as an indicator that our customers' trust in our services remains strong. Moving forward, we will continue to optimize operations and maximize equipment utilization to ensure smooth operational performance," he emphasized.
Acceleration of Port Stay Time
Amidst the growing trend in service volume, TPK Merauke continues to strive to ensure service quality remains consistent. Optimizing operations and facilities, as well as upgrading loading and unloading equipment, has proven to have a direct positive impact on service users, particularly in terms of speed and time efficiency.
This positive impact has been directly recognized by shipping industry players. Tony Bijaksono, Head of Operations for PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL) Merauke Branch, stated that the addition of operational equipment from Pelindo was crucial in alleviating service congestion.
"In the first semester of 2026, we did see a surge in cargo volume, resulting in increasingly dense field activities and ship queues. However, the presence of new operational equipment from Pelindo significantly facilitated smooth operations in the depot area and during loading and unloading. The impact was very noticeable; port stay time (ship stopover time) from previously around 55 hours has now been reduced to around 47 hours. The service process is now much faster, safer, and more efficient," Tony explained.
Strong synergy between the Merauke Port Authority (TPK), shipping companies, and all stakeholders is key to maintaining the logistics ecosystem in Merauke. Going forward, PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas will continue to strengthen service quality through human resource (HR) competency enhancement, infrastructure modernization, and close collaboration with service users.
Through these strategic steps, PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas is optimistic that it can maintain its positive performance trend while escalating economic growth in the South Papua region.
(Redaksi ISL News/Corcom PTP).
