International Cargo Seaport: Port of Tanjung Priok

The Port of Tanjung Priok is known as the busiest port in Indonesia. This port handles more than 30% of non-oil and gas commodities in Indonesia. In addition, 50% of export and import flows pass through this port. Therefore, many say that the Port is a barometer of the Indonesian economy.

About Port of Tanjung Priok

This Port is located in North Jakarta, Indonesia. The owner of this port is PT. Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), under the Directorate General of Sea Transportation. We can use the Transjakarta bus or train to get to the port.

As the largest port in Indonesia, the Port connects with all cities in Indonesia. With its modern facilities and technology, this port has served the newest ships that go directly to various international trade centers. This port serves the in and out of goods, both bulk, conventional, and container goods.

The History

At the end of the 19th century, the Dutch East Indies government developed the Tanjung Priok area into the new port of Batavia, replacing the Port of Sunda Kelapa. Construction of the Port began in 1877 by General Johan Wilhelm van Lansberge. Then, to support the function of this port, in 1914, the Tanjung Priok Station was built.

The construction was carried out from May 1877 to 1886. After being inaugurated, this port became the main port of Batavia. Previously, Batavia’s main port was in the Ciliwung River, later known as the Fish Market Harbor.

When the Dutch surrendered to Japan on March 7, 1942, the Port was under the Kaigun (Japanese Navy). The Dutch also deliberately damaged some parts of the port, such as warehouses, docks, and roads. The Japanese government then used Romusha’s workforce to repair this port and clear the mining channel that the Dutch spread.

Volume of Transaction in Port of Tanjung Priok

In 2021, it recorded a cargo transaction volume of 6,750,302 TEUs. This figure has increased by 8.8% compared to 2020, which was recorded at 6,205,301 TEUs. However, this is still lower than the cargo transaction volume in 2019 which reached 6,802,200 TEUs.

The good news is that the Port of Tanjung Priok is starting 2022 well. In this case, the Port’s throughput grew by 11.36% in January 2022 compared to the previous year’s same period. The traffic of goods at the Port has increased in both containers and non-containers volume.

Interesting Facts

The Tanjung Priok area is a prehistoric port that has existed since the time of the spread of Hinduism in Indonesia. The Dutch colonial government then developed it into a commercial port area at the end of the 18th century.

The Port has the nickname “Si Denok Bandarwati”. It also has a motto: “Tomorrow must be better than today because today is better than yesterday”. This motto is the basis for the development of the Port of Tanjung Priok to this day.

The Port has changed its face and shape to adapt to the times from year to year. Until now, this port is still undergoing development to advance the Indonesian economy.