Middle East conflict heats up, SPPI asks port workers to remain on alert during Lebaran homecoming

JAKARTA - In facing the dynamics of conflict in the Middle East, the Serikat Pekerja Pelabuhan Indonesia Bersatu (SPPI Bersatu) asked all port workers in the environment of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) to continue to work effectively, compactly and professionally.

The SPPI also reminded port workers to continue to work diligently to serve the community during this year's Lebaran homecoming rush.

"We invite all port workers to remain on alert and work professionally in successfully serving the Lebaran homecoming flow at various ports in Indonesia. The smooth mobility of the community and the distribution of national logistics is a shared responsibility," said Dodi, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, March 14.

According to him, currently all port workers in Indonesia must increase vigilance against the dynamics of warfare that has the potential to impact the stability of the international supply chain and national logistics activities.

The reason is that the tension that occurred in the Middle East automatically cut off the activity of strategic shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. This condition has an impact on the increase in world oil prices and the increase in the operating costs of international shipping companies.

Dodi continued, this situation can have an indirect impact on port operations in Indonesia, especially on loading and unloading activities at terminals that serve international trade.

"This condition can affect international trade flows as well as port activities that serve imports and exports," said Dodi.

He continued, currently a number of international shipping companies are also starting to adjust shipping routes in the Middle East region.

The change in route has the potential to cause delays in the arrival of ships and an increase in density at a number of international ports, including ports managed by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo).

"Therefore, the operational efficiency of the port is an important factor to maintain the smooth flow of logistics and maintain the competitiveness of the national economy," he said.

Dodi added that although domestic trade was relatively stable, the indirect impact of the global conflict on energy prices, inflation, and international supply chains still needed to be anticipated together.

"Disruptions in the global supply chain can affect container traffic as well as port operational efficiency if it is not anticipated well," he said.

Therefore, he encouraged all port officials to be able to work faster and more effectively to compensate for delays in shipping times on the sea route.

Thus, he believes that the impact of delays in the delivery of goods and logistics on the Indonesian economy can be minimized.