BELAWAN | INDATANEWS.COM - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) Regional 1 Belawan (Persero) has recorded a continued positive operational performance in 2026. Through May 2026, container throughput at Belawan Port reached a total of 531.2 thousand Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This represents an increase of around 5 percent compared to the same period last year, which stood at 505.8 thousand TEUs.
This development highlights the increasingly important role of
Belawan Port as a key hub for distribution and trade in North Sumatra. The dynamic logistics activities indicate a steady rise in cargo flows through this strategically located port, in line with the growth of industrial and trade demand in its hinterland.
Strengthening Services Drives Growth
The Executive General Manager of
Pelindo Regional 1 Belawan, Yusrizal, stated that the increase in
container throughput was not coincidental. According to him, Pelindo has deliberately improved the quality of shipping services and strengthened operational coordination to ensure smooth cargo flows in both international and domestic segments.
"The increase in international container traffic is driven, among other factors, by stronger shipping service connectivity, including additional vessel calls, the presence of new shipping lines, and increased volumes from existing carriers. Meanwhile, domestic container traffic benefits from higher volumes handled by national shipping operators," Yusrizal said.
The expansion of the shipping network is considered a key factor in maintaining the stability of logistics flows. The entry of new market players in the shipping industry also fosters healthy competition and expands service options for port users.
CONTAINER CRANES IN OPERATION: Operation of container cranes and RTG units at Belawan Port supporting logistics distribution. (PHOTO: Doc. Pelindo Regional 1)
Operational Infrastructure Supports Smooth Performance
In terms of operational capacity, Belawan Port relies on a range of key cargo-handling equipment to support container operations. These include six quay container cranes and twelve Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) units in the container yard area.
Pelindo ensures that all equipment is maintained in optimal condition to support daily operations. The RTG equipment achieved an average availability rate of 96.2 percent, reflecting the strong reliability of the port's logistics infrastructure.
"These pieces of equipment support all container handling activities—from ship operations to yard management," Yusrizal explained.
The optimization of this infrastructure is part of Pelindo's broader strategy to improve ship turnaround efficiency and accelerate cargo distribution within the port area.
CONTAINER TERMINAL: The container terminal area at Belawan Port with intensive loading and unloading activities. (PHOTO: Doc. Pelindo Regional 1)
Regional Economic Growth Strengthens Logistics Activity
The positive performance of Belawan Port aligns with economic growth in surrounding regions, which serve as the main drivers of port activity. During the same period, North Sumatra's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew by 4.98 percent.
The trade sector recorded particularly strong growth at 10.63 percent, while the transportation and warehousing sector increased by 8.52 percent. This growth has had a direct impact on rising logistics activity at
Belawan Port.
In Riau, regional economic output also grew by 4.89 percent, supported by expansion in the manufacturing and trade sectors. This regional interconnection further strengthens Belawan Port's role as a logistics distribution hub.
Pelindo Commits to Sustainable Service Quality
Amid increasing logistics activity, Pelindo continues to intensify efforts to ensure controlled, efficient, and adaptive operations. The company is also strengthening terminal operational support to meet the needs of both domestic and international users.
Yusrizal emphasized that
Belawan Port plays a strategic role in national logistics connectivity. Therefore, Pelindo will continue to enhance operational stability and service quality.
"Belawan plays an important role in supporting logistics connectivity and regional economic growth. Pelindo will continue to ensure smooth operations and high-quality port services to sustainably support trade and distribution needs," he said.
With this development,
Belawan Port further consolidates its position as one of the key nodes in Indonesia's western national supply chain and an important driver of regional economic growth.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala