Jakarta, IO – Makassar New Port (MNP) is the second largest seaport in Indonesia after Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta. It was inaugurated by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday (22/2).
Jokowi said that the new port is ready to increase logistical efficiency in eastern Indonesia because it has a much larger capacity than the older one. “We hope it can reduce logistical costs in our country,” said Jokowi, per Setkab.go.id, Thur (22/2).
“Amid tighter competition among countries, it is very important for Indonesia to increase its efficiency. About a decade ago, logistical cost in Indonesia was still at 24 percent due to locations between ports, industrial areas, and factories that are not integrated with one another. However, it has now fallen to 14 percent. Whoever has better efficiency, they will win the competition,” the president noted.
Despite the decrease, Indonesia’s logistical cost is still higher compared to other countries. Jokowi hoped that with the new port built at the cost of Rp5.4 trillion, it will fall further.
“Makassar New Port has the depth of 16 meters. It is also the deepest port which will enable large large container ships to berth,” he said.
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He also appreciated the shorter dwelling time which has been cut from seven to under three days. With a capacity of up to 2.5 million TEUs, the port has great potential to compete with other international ports in the region.
“This is the strength, the potential that we continue to improve so that our competitiveness can be better than other countries,” he said. (bp)