Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Makassar New Port, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, February 22, 2024

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good morning,
May peace be upon us all,
Shalom,
Om swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,

Joining us Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Minister of Transportation,

Distinguished Acting Governor of South Sulawesi, as well as mayors and regents joining us today,
Distinguished Chairpersons of Commission V of the House of Representatives,

Members of Board of Commissioners and Board of Directors of  State-Owned Port Operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo),

Religious, Community Leaders joining us today,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Competition among countries nowadays is truly very tight. Competition between the products we produce and the products produced by other countries is also enormously fierce. Those with good efficiency are the ones who can win the competition. They are the ones who will win the competition.

Ten years ago, logistics costs in Indonesia were still at 24 percent, while other countries were at 9-12 percent. It was because the locations between ports, industrial areas, and factories were not integrated. Now, logistics costs in Indonesia have dropped by approximately 14 percent. It has significantly decreased, but remains slightly higher than that of other countries. This is issue that we must address.

Makassar New Port is the second largest port after Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok. With the depth of 16 meters, it is one of the deepest ports, suitable for large ships to dock and transport containers.

Regarding dwelling time, previously the dwelling time in our ports could be five days, six days, or seven days. Arriving containers were unloaded from the ship and were transported outside the port. Indeed, it was inefficient. Today, the dwelling time in our ports is below three days. It is a good job. So, we can compete with other ports in other countries. This is our strength – our potential that we must continue improving to boost our competitiveness with other countries.

The capacity of the old Makassar Port was 750 thousand TEUs per year. Today, the Makassar New Port has a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs per year. It is a great leap. The investment value in this port is Rp5.4 trillion. It is a huge figure. Let us see the progress of this port in the future. This will be the biggest port in eastern Indonesia. We hope that it will efficiently reduce the logistics costs in Indonesia.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

Speaking of the old Makassar Port, we will prepare it for the Makassar city center. However, the Mayor and the Governor must issue the permit. If there is no approval, it cannot happen.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby officiate the Makassar New Port in Makassar city, South Sulawesi province.

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(AP/EP)