By train, from Kuala Tanjung to Sei Mangkei, it takes no more than 30 minutesJakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi gave directives to the Kuala Tanjung Port manager to improve services to support logistics distribution in the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Batu Bara District, North Sumatra.
“Sei Mangkei and Kuala Tanjung complement each other. If the productivity of Sei Mangkei increases, the productivity of the port will also increase," Sumadi noted, as quoted from a statement received here on Saturday.
During his review of Kuala Tanjung Port and Sei Mangkei SEZ on Saturday, he stated that in the next two years, 10 factories will be established in the zone, which was expected to further boost the port's productivity.
To promote seamless distribution of logistics from the port to the zone and vice versa, he said that train transportation was targeted to become operational by next month.
“Using trains will be more efficient and faster than using more congested land routes. By train, from Kuala Tanjung to Sei Mangkei, it takes no more than 30 minutes,” he remarked.
Sumadi also said that he along with the investment minister would involve some stakeholders to submit a work plan for the 2023 Kuala Tanjung Port and Sei Mangkei SEZ, with increased productivity achievements.
He pointed out that North Sumatra Province was an area with abundant potential, especially crude palm oil and Palm Oil.
"I heard that Inalum will also invest here. With the synergy of Pelindo and Inalum, it is expected that the productivity of Kuala Tanjung Port can be increased," he remarked.
He pressed for constantly improving collaboration among stakeholders: state-owned port operator Pelindo, Regional Government, National Defense Force, Police Force, Sei Mangkei SEZ managers, and others.
The activity capacity at the Sei Mangkei SEZ is expected to continue to increase, from the current 23 percent to 50 percent in 2024.
The government has pursued the development of multimodal integration in order to increase the mobility of goods from the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The integration was conducted through a freight train linking Sei Mangkei, Kuala Tanjung, and Belawan.
Phase I of development of the Kuala Tanjung Port, involving the Kuala Tanjung Multipurpose Terminal, had begun.
The port, which is managed by Pelindo, is equipped with a 500x60 m pier and 2.8-km-long trestle for four truck lanes that are 18.5 m wide.
In addition, it has been equipped with complete and modern port facilities supported by an integrated IT system to offer better service to customers and increase the speed of loading and unloading process.
This port is expected to become a transshipment port frequented by large ships from some countries.
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Translator: Adimas R F P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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