Indonesia is an archipelagic nation with enormous maritime economic potential. However, this potential can only be maximized if supported by modern, efficient, and competitive port infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of industry and international trade.
In this context, the existence of PT Prima Multi Terminal (PMT) has a strategic position in supporting the development of the national port sector, especially in the North Sumatra region.
As a subsidiary of PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, PT Prima Multi Terminal manages two main operational areas: Terminal 1 Belawan and Terminal 2 Kuala Tanjung. Its business activities include container services, liquid bulk, dry bulk, and general cargo for both domestic and international needs.
The presence of this company is not just about carrying out loading and unloading activities, but is also an important part of the distribution chain and economic growth in the western region of Indonesia.
Kuala Tanjung Must Become a New Economic Growth Center
One of the biggest challenges for PT Prima Multi Terminal is how to optimize the potential of Kuala Tanjung Port so that it is not only an infrastructure facility, but truly develops into a center of economic and trade activities.
Geographically, Kuala Tanjung has a strategic position because it is located in the Strait of Malacca, one of the important international trade shipping routes.
This situation should be a significant asset for attracting investment, increasing export-import activities, and strengthening industrial connectivity in North Sumatra and the surrounding areas.
However, port development cannot simply rely on dock facilities, storage yards, loading and unloading equipment, and port basin depth. An aggressive commercial strategy is also needed to attract ships, increase cargo volume, and build customer trust.
Kuala Tanjung must be able to create an interconnected industrial and logistics ecosystem.
Operational Performance Must Be Directly Proportional to Business Growth
In the port business, success isn't solely measured by the availability of infrastructure. Other important indicators include growth in freight flow, loading and unloading productivity, facility utilization rates, operational cost efficiency, and the company's ability to generate sustainable profits.
PT Prima Multi Terminal needs to continue strengthening its marketing and business development strategies by partnering with shipping companies, exporters, importers, manufacturing companies, plantation and mining industries, and logistics business players.
Companies also need to expand collaboration opportunities with industrial estates, land transportation companies, warehouse operators, and integrated logistics service providers.
Thus, port activities do not only depend on loading and unloading activities, but are able to generate added value through various supporting services.
Digitalization and Efficiency Are Key to Competition
Competition between ports is intensifying. Customers demand fast, transparent, secure services, and competitive logistics costs.
Therefore, digital transformation must be a priority for PT Prima Multi Terminal.
The implementation of a digital-based service system, operational data integration, cost transparency, ship arrival schedule management, and an integrated truck service system will help increase terminal productivity.
Digitalization is not just about keeping up with technological developments, but is a necessity to increase competitiveness and provide service certainty to service users.
In addition, improving human resource competency and implementing occupational safety standards must also be part of the company's transformation agenda.
Opening Investment and Business Cooperation Opportunities
PT Prima Multi Terminal has a great opportunity to develop various business cooperation models with the private sector and industrial players.
Some sectors that have the potential to be developed include:
Development of warehousing areas and logistics distribution centers.
Cooperation between liquid bulk and dry bulk terminals.
Development of container stacking and service facilities.
Provision of logistics facilities for the plantation and mining industries.
Multimodal transportation cooperation via land and rail.
Development of integrated logistics services from ports to industrial areas.
Utilization of land and port facilities for productive business activities.
This cooperation must be built on the principles of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and mutual benefit.
The more industrial activities connected to the port, the greater the opportunity for increasing company revenue and regional economic growth.
The Economic Impact Must Be Felt by the Community
In addition to pursuing business targets and company profits, PT Prima Multi Terminal must also pay attention to the social and economic impacts on the communities around the port.
The development of port activities should open up employment opportunities, increase community business opportunities, strengthen the MSME sector, and encourage local economic growth.
Companies need to build good communication with local governments, communities, port associations, business actors, and all stakeholders.
A developed port ideally not only provides profits for the company, but also brings real economic benefits to the surrounding environment.
It's Time for PT Prima Multi Terminal to Take More Strategic Steps
Going forward, PT Prima Multi Terminal's challenge is not only to maintain the operational continuity of Belawan and Kuala Tanjung Terminals, but also to make these two terminals part of the national logistics strength.
Company management must be brave in making business breakthroughs, expanding customer networks, increasing productivity, and building strategic partnerships with various industrial sectors.
Specifically for Kuala Tanjung, concrete steps are needed to accelerate terminal optimization by increasing the flow of goods, strengthening hinterland connectivity, and attracting investment in industries directly related to port activities.
Ultimately, the success of PT Prima Multi Terminal is not measured solely by the size of its infrastructure, but by its contribution to logistics efficiency, trade growth, increased investment, and community welfare.
Ports are more than just places where ships dock and cargo is loaded and unloaded. They are economic gateways, centers of trade connectivity, and key drivers of national progress.
It is time for PT Prima Multi Terminal to take a bigger role in making Belawan and Kuala Tanjung a new force in Indonesia's maritime logistics and economic map.
Opinion Writer: Saiful Anam, Editor-in-Chief of ISL News
