Jokowi Appreciates Makassar New Port, Will Support Connectivity In Eastern Indonesia

President Joko Widodo was accompanied by SOE Minister Erick Thohir at the inauguration of Makassar New Port (MNP) which is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Makassar, Thursday (22/2/2024). Antara/ Suriani Mappong

MAKASSAR - President Joko Widodo appreciates the presence of Makassar New Port (MNP) as the deepest port in Indonesia, which is 16 meters, which is considered very good for loading and unloading containers.

"Makassar New Port is also the second largest port after Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta," Jokowi said at the inauguration of MNP in Makassar as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 22.

The President said that the existence of MNP supports port connectivity in Eastern Indonesia (KTI) and also logistics cost efficiency.

Previously, state logistics costs were on average 24 percent higher than the logistics costs of neighboring countries which were only 9-12 percent. This is because ports in Indonesia have not been integrated with industries or factories that are far from ports.

However, after the port was integrated along with the merger of Pelindo I, II, III and IV, logistics costs had fallen to 14 percent.

"Although this is still above logistics costs from other countries, this is our common homework," said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, "Djewelling Time" or the waiting period for ships at the port, he continued, previously 5-7 days, after the efficiency now averaged under three days.

The previous port cargo capacity of only 750 thousand TEUs has now reached 2.5 million TEUs.

President Jokowi also mentioned that the old container port could be used as a "city center". However, it depends on the approval of the mayor of Makassar and the Governor of South Sulawesi.