Pelindo: Container Traffic Up 7% January-April 2026

PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) has recorded a significant 7% rise in container throughput for the first four months of 2026, handling 6.42 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This growth surpasses the 5.99 million TEUs managed in the same period last year, indicating a healthy flow of goods through Indonesia's ports.

Pelindo's President Director, Achmad Muchtasyar, attributed the increase primarily to a robust performance in international trade. The international segment saw a 11% surge, with exports climbing 10% and imports experiencing an even stronger 12% rise. This expansion highlights the resilience of Indonesia's trade activities amidst global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Domestically, container traffic grew by 4%, bolstered by a 5% increase in loading activities and a 4% rise in unloading. This sustained domestic distribution is crucial for supporting local consumption and regional economic activities. Pelindo emphasized that the strong trade ties with regions like China and Southeast Asia, which account for a substantial portion of Indonesia's exports and imports, provide a stable foundation for the nation's trade.

Key export commodities showing growth include animal and vegetable fats/oils (7.95%), machinery and mechanical equipment (9.26%), electrical machinery and equipment (4.9%), and chemical products (12.27%). On the import side, significant increases were observed in machinery and mechanical equipment (22.1%), electrical machinery and equipment (17.91%), optical instruments (20.8%), and chemical products (36.31%). Major ports like Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Emas in Semarang, and Tanjung Perak in Surabaya are experiencing increased activity, reflecting the continued dynamism of the national supply chain and distribution networks.