Tok! Dubai Ports World Injects IDR 6 Trillion To Pelindo

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) or Pelindo has officially signed investment cooperation with a multinational logistics company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai Ports World (DP).

The investment value reached 400 million US dollars or equivalent to Rp. 6 trillion.

The signing of investment and operational cooperation (KSO) was carried out today, at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and witnessed directly by the Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir.

The cooperation was facilitated by the Ministry of SOEs and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA).

Erick said this cooperation was carried out to strengthen the logistics system in the country. He said logistics has been the biggest problem in the Indonesian economy.

"This supply chain is the largest disruption that occurs during COVID-19 and in the future because it is very important, the government and SOEs encourage collaboration in the development of the ecosystem from ports, airports, to trains," he said at the Ministry of SOEs, Friday, June 23.

Meanwhile, Pelindo President Director Arif Suhartono said the investment value of 400 million US dollars was used to fix and expand the operations of Belawan Port, Medan, North Sumatra.

For example, continued Arif, the development of a new terminal for loading and unloading containers, expanding piers, and technical equipment.

"There is an investment value related to the extension of the dock and also investment in equipment, which is around USD 400 million," said Arif.

Arif ensured that the cooperation between Pelindo, INA, and Dubai Ports World on the operational side of the container terminal was valid for up to 30 years, plus 20 years, in the future.

For the initial eight or nine years, Arif was optimistic that the container capacity could be increased to 1.4 million Teus.

Currently, the loading and unloading capacity of containers at Belawan Port Terminal is only 600,000 to 700,000 Teus on an international scale.

"So the cooperation between Pelindo, INA, and DP World is to operate container terminals in Belawan, that's what is collaborated for 30 years, plus 20 years, the current capacity will be developed up to 1.4 million," said Arif.

Not only that, said Arif, the presence of Dubai Ports World is also expected to attract the growth of the cargo business in Belawan.

That way, it can provide a multiplier effect for economic growth in the area, because there will be new labor absorption.

"Premisely, DP World is not just an operation, but an attract cargo, that's important, so (economic) growth will be faster. Of course, if cargo attracts there is volume and creates multiplier effects, including labor," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of INA, Ridha DM Wirakusumah, said that his party has a role in seeking funds for the development of Belawan Port, as well as looking for experts in logistics management at Belawan port.

One concrete form is how we seek funds, we also include funds with good added value, by partnering with good projects. We are looking for expertise for ports but also the development of entire ecosystems in ports and foreign traffic," explained Ridha.