East Java Increases Logistics Strength, Surabaya Gateway Ready To Encourage Local Industry

SURABAYA DHL Express inaugurated its newest logistics center, the Surabaya Gateway and Service Center, as a step to strengthen the national logistics network and support Indonesia's economic growth. The inauguration was carried out by Deputy Governor of East Java Emil Elestianto Dardak, Senior Technical Advisor of DHL Express Indonesia Ahmad Mohamad, and Senior Vice President Network Operations & Aviation Asia Peter Bardens.

This event was also attended by a number of government officials and DHL Indonesia leaders. The new facility is part of efforts to strengthen logistics infrastructure and increase the competitiveness of business actors in East Java.

Emil Dardak said the presence of Surabaya Gateway would be a new driving force for the acceleration of industry and trade in eastern Indonesia. According to him, this facility strengthens East Java's position as a national economic node while supporting Indonesia's vision to become a center of world logistics in 2045.

This infrastructure is an important foundation to support Indonesia's Vision 2045. Collaboration between the government and the private sector like this is the key to inclusive and sustainable economic growth," Emil said in his statement, Friday, December 5.

Surabaya Gateway is built on an area of 10,000 square meters with an investment of more than 9 million euros. Its location is about 15 minutes from Juanda International Airport, making it a strategic point to accelerate the delivery process. This facility combines gateway operations and service centers in one integrated location to increase efficiency and shorten the transit time of goods.

Through a direct connection with the South Asia Hub in Singapore, Surabaya Gateway strengthens East Java's access to international trade routes. This is expected to provide significant benefits for SMEs, exporters, as well as industrial areas such as Surabaya, Gresik, Pasuruan, and Malang.

Senior Vice President Network Operations & Aviation Asia Pacific DHL Express, Peter Bardens, stated that Indonesia is included in 20 countries with the fastest growth potential in the DHL logistics network. He assessed that this investment is part of a strategy to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and support cross-border trade.

Investasi di Surabaya Gateway dan Service Center memperkuat jaringan kami untuk mendukung perdagangan antar terkontone dan intra-Asia, ujar Peter.

The facility is designed with a number of integrated services, including imported-export bonded areas, direct loading processes, Load Device build-up Units, direct transfers, and cargo checks by Regulated Agents (RA). DHL projects delivery volume growth of up to 2 percent per year from this facility.

Ahmad Mohamad added that Surabaya Gateway is a catalyst to accelerate trade flows while strengthening regional economic competitiveness.

"This investment reflects our confidence in Indonesia's future as well as its commitment to helping business actors penetrate the global market," said Ahmad.

Indonesia's solid economic growth throughout 2025, supported by household consumption and increased investment and non-oil and gas exports, helped strengthen the urgency of this logistics center development. East Java, which contributes about 15 percent of the national GDP, is projected to be one of the areas most profitable.

The inauguration of Surabaya Gateway is also part of the big DHL Express strategy that operates seven gateways in Indonesia, ensuring that international market access is faster and more reliable for business actors from various scales.