TANJUNG PRIOK PORT is more than just an ordinary port. As one of the main gateways for the flow of goods between Jakarta and Indonesia, the port's ability to accommodate vessels of increasing size and draft is a crucial component of national logistics competitiveness.
As we enter 2026, a question arises that deserves open discussion: is the depth of the Tanjung Priok basin and shipping channel still adequate for the needs of the vessels currently served, or is it time for further deepening? The answer isn't as simple as saying "still standard" or "already shallow."
Standards are not just about depth numbers
In port operations, the depth of the pool must be related to the ship's draft, tidal conditions, under keel clearance , seabed characteristics, and the safety requirements for ship maneuvering.
Therefore, a pool may administratively meet the design depth, but may not necessarily provide optimal space if the characteristics of the vessels served continue to evolve.
Studies of the waters of Tanjung Priok Port have shown that depths within the port area can vary significantly. One bathymetric study recorded a depth range of approximately 6 to 15 meters in the area studied.
The research results show that the depth of the waters of Tanjung Priok Port ranges from 6 to 15 meters.
On the other hand, development and dredging in the Tanjung Priok area have long been aimed at improving port capacity. Certain development projects are even designed to dredge to depths of approximately -14 meters in channels and turning basins. This means that the depth issue isn't something that ends with the completion of a dredging project.
Shallowing is a process that must be continuously monitored.
Ports located in coastal areas face sedimentation. Mud and sediment can settle back after dredging.
Therefore, maintenance dredging is a normal part of port management. Even maritime services operator Pelindo explains that dredging activities are used to maintain the depth of shipping channels and port basins.
Thus, the more appropriate question for 2026 is not simply “is the Tanjung Priok basin shallow?”, but: what is the actual depth of each section of the basin currently, what is its design depth, how much sedimentation has occurred, and is this depth still capable of serving vessels with the targeted draft?
Don't wait for the ship to experience restrictions
Deepening should not be undertaken only after operational issues arise. If bathymetric survey results indicate an area experiencing significant siltation or sedimentation, maintenance dredging should be considered based on the data.
Furthermore, port needs continue to grow. Larger vessels require adequate depth and maneuvering space. Technical studies of Tanjung Priok also indicate that increasing port capacity is closely related to widening and deepening of the channel and basin.
In this context, maintaining depth is not only a technical issue, but also concerns logistical efficiency.
A bathymetric audit is needed before deciding.
In my opinion, the most rational step in 2026 would be to conduct a comprehensive and periodic bathymetric survey of the main channels and basins of Tanjung Priok.
The survey results were then compared with:
- design depth of each pool and channel;
- maximum draft of the vessel served;
- under keel clearance requirements ;
- tidal conditions;
- sedimentation rate;
- basin maneuvering and turning requirements;
- as well as projections of the size of ships that will be served in the coming years.
From there, it can be determined whether maintenance dredging is sufficient, deepening is necessary at certain points, or a larger deepening program is required.
Don't just chase "deeper"
Deepening doesn't necessarily mean deeper is always better. Dredging is costly and requires consideration of technical, environmental, safety, and material management aspects. Therefore, the depth determined must be fully aligned with ship requirements and port development plans.
What is needed is precise, measurable, and consistent depth, not just a large depth number.
Opinion by Saiful Anam, Editor-in-Chief of ISL News
