Indonesia's Tanjung Priok Port Says Container Services Back to Normal

7 hours ago 4

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Director of Operations at New Priok Container Terminal One, Rino Wisnu Putro, said container shipping services at Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, have returned to normal after recent disruptions.

“Currently, ship and truck services are operating normally, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Rino said in a written statement on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

He said the restoration was part of system improvements, particularly in the issuance of gate passes, known as Truck Identification Label Authorization (TILA). Problems with TILA issuance had previously disrupted the release of containers from the port.

Earlier, business groups had raised concerns over operational disruptions caused by the temporary suspension of container release permits at several terminals. As a result, goods arriving at the port could not be unloaded from containers on time.

Subandi, chairman of the All-Indonesia National Importers Association, said he had received information about the suspension from terminal operators. He said the situation was different from last year. “There were no such suspensions last year,” Subandi said in a written statement on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Based on documents he received, several container terminals imposed temporary suspensions, including New Priok Container Terminal One. The suspension was expected to last from March 16 to 26, 2026, coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday period.

Subandi warned that the policy could have broad implications for domestic industries that depend on imported raw materials. Delays in clearing goods at the port, he said, could disrupt production processes.

Logistics companies were also affected by the slowdown in cargo distribution, which could reduce operations and impact workers in the sector.

He added that importers may also face additional costs in the form of container demurrage charges, which can reach around US$80 per day. The charges are imposed by shipping companies when containers remain at the terminal beyond the agreed free time.