JAKARTA (ISL News) - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Pangkalbalam (Pelindo Regional 2) and the West Bangka Regency Government (Pemerintah Kabupaten/Pemkab) met to discuss follow-up on the utilization and management of the Mentok Port area. The meeting took place on Thursday (October 29, 2026) at 1:00 PM WIB in Operational Room I of the West Bangka Regency Secretariat, at the invitation of the West Bangka Regent.
This discussion follows a previous discussion on cooperation and an audience with Pelindo's central leadership. Port regulations require synergy between port operators and the local government, especially in Mentok, which faces high sedimentation and shallowing of the port basin.
In addition to Pelindo, this meeting was also attended by regional leaders, a number of heads of services and agencies, as well as representatives from the Harbormaster's Office and the Port Authority.
Pelindo Regional 2 Executive Director Budi Prasetio explained the current condition of the port. Mentok Port is licensed as a public port, but its current business activities are limited to fishing vessels.
"Pelindo is currently more focused on developing Pangkalbalam Port. The condition of Mentok, especially its shallowing, needs to be addressed in collaboration with the local government," he said.
For Tanjung Ular, Budi stated that the cooperation plan must be carefully considered, as the port facility investment requirements are substantial. He also noted several opportunities for collaboration that could be implemented more quickly.
Land and building use for SMEs, for example, has been implemented at other ports as part of property partnerships. Rental rates are calculated based on building repair costs and the land area occupied by the prospective tenant. According to Budi, partnerships on clean water, waste management, and leasing can already be implemented through direct coordination with the General Manager of Pelindo Pangkalbalam.
At the same location, Teuku Kamil Syamsura, General Manager of Pelindo Regional 2 Pangkalbalam, outlined the steps taken to date. He stated that Pelindo has followed up on the memorandum of understanding with West Bangka and coordinated with the local Port Authority (KSOP).
The team also conducted a field survey at Tanjung Ular Port. The port basin was deemed quite deep, but its capacity is only around 1,000 DWT, or vessels measuring 40 to 50 meters, while vessels used for tin exports are generally over 100 meters long.
The Land Management Rights (HPL) for Mentok Port are valid until 2065. Kamil stated that, if possible and with the approval of the Ministry of Transportation, management can be handed over to the local government. He also cautioned that combining a TPI and a public port in the same area is inconsistent with regulations and the Port Master Plan (RIP).
"If this collaboration goes ahead, Pelindo is ready to revitalize the old ports by establishing a new organizational structure in Mentok and Tanjung Ular. The model could be modeled after the collaboration at Sungai Selan Port, which involves sharing profits from business activities," Kamil said.
In the near future, the Pelindo area in Mentok will be fenced off to better manage activities within it, and parking fees, if necessary, can be further discussed. According to Kamil, the collaboration could utilize two schemes: PSO and commercial.
Pelindo and the West Bangka Regency Government agreed to maintain coordination to ensure this discussion leads to clear and compliant cooperation. Pelindo is optimistic that if the port is managed jointly with proper role allocation, Mentok can revive. Small businesses will gain a foothold, jobs will increase, and West Bangka will have a stronger logistics network.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Pelindo Regional 2 Public Relations).
