Media

LAMPUNG – The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) of Lampung Province held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Monday, May 19, 2025, centered on the optimization of Panjang Port’s role in strengthening Indonesia’s national trade logistics system.

The forum took place at the 3rd Floor Auditorium, Building A, IIB Darmajaya Campus.

In his opening remarks, Ary Meizari Alfian, Chairperson of Apindo Lampung, expressed hope that the FGD would serve to identify key bottlenecks in the export-import process at Panjang Port, formulate strategic policy recommendations to enhance logistics efficiency, and develop policy proposals for regulating export-import port designations to be submitted to the central government.

He also emphasized the need to define a forward-looking development roadmap for Panjang Port that aligns with regional economic priorities.

According to Radar Lampung’s coverage, five strategic issues were identified during the FGD:

The impact of national import restrictions on the decline of logistics activities at Panjang Port.

Increased logistics costs due to the diversion of imports to other major ports.

Limited direct international logistics access to Lampung, deterring new investment.

The underutilized potential of Panjang Port as a strategic logistics hub for Sumatra.

Regulatory uncertainty stemming from the absence of an approved Master Plan for Panjang Port.

Representing the Governor of Lampung, Dr. Mulyadi Irsan, Assistant for Economic Affairs and Regional Development, highlighted Panjang Port as a national port with international significance.

He noted that Lampung is increasingly emerging as a rising star in southern Sumatra. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the province’s economy grew by 4.55% in 2023, up from 4.28% the previous year. The first quarter of 2025 saw a year-on-year growth of 5.47%.

"The standout sector is transportation and warehousing," said Mulyadi. "It grew by 16.66%. This isn't just a number—it’s a strong signal that Lampung's logistics lifeline is thriving."

Mulyadi described Panjang Port as a strategic asset with growing infrastructure, solid connectivity, and strategic positioning, especially with the presence of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road.

“Panjang Port has the potential to become the main logistics hub for southern Sumatra, even serving as a buffer to the increasingly congested Tanjung Priok Port,” he explained.

Despite its strategic location and growing infrastructure, Mulyadi acknowledged several persistent challenges that hinder the port’s full potential.

One major concern is the national policy limiting import activities at Panjang for several key commodities including fresh fruits, textiles, electronics, and cosmetics.

"It's like having a large kitchen but not being allowed to cook," he quipped. "The result is higher logistics costs, disrupted distribution, and businesses having to revise strategies. Inefficient logistics is the enemy of competitiveness."

Another issue is the lack of an approved Master Plan for Panjang Port as of the end of 2023. “Without it, we’re like a ship sailing without a map—adrift and directionless,” he said.

Mulyadi emphasized the importance of Lampung’s geographic and infrastructural strengths, but also underscored the urgency of regulatory clarity and decisive development planning.

“On one hand, the opportunity to become a regional logistics hub is wide open. On the other, any delay in action may cause us to lose momentum and fall behind more prepared ports.”

He concluded that this FGD is critical to develop strategies that are not only realistic but also progressive. "The goal is to produce strong policy recommendations that we can collectively bring to the central government—demonstrating Lampung’s readiness to step up in the national logistics system."

This aligns with the province’s broader development vision: "Together, Advancing Lampung Toward a Golden Indonesia." A vision that Mulyadi says is more than just a slogan—it’s a shared commitment to national progress.

“If our ports become more optimal, logistics more efficient, investment more fluid, and people more prosperous—isn’t that clear evidence of Lampung's advancement toward a Golden Indonesia?”

He also thanked all participants for their contributions to the FGD. “May this forum be productive, inspiring, and capable of generating breakthrough solutions that go beyond the surface and address the root of the problems,” he concluded.

The FGD featured five speakers, including:

• Welly Soegiono, Corporate Affairs Director at PT Great Giant Pineapple
• Arif, SE, M.Si, Head of Bandar Lampung Customs Office
• Dra. Evie Fatmawaty, M.Si, Head of Industry and Trade Office of Lampung
• Imam Rahmiyadi, General Manager of Pelindo Regional 2 Panjang

Also present were business leaders from Apindo, provincial government representatives, Apindo Advisory Board Chairman Hi. Ardiansyah, and delegates from the Lampung Chamber of Commerce and other institutions.

During the discussion, Welly Soegiono called for a revitalization of Panjang Port.

Pelindo Regional 2 Panjang GM Imam Rahmiyadi welcomed Apindo’s initiative, saying, “Panjang Port plays a crucial role in supporting domestic economic distribution. This FGD is an excellent step forward—seeking joint solutions to optimize the port’s role not just for Lampung, but for the entire southern Sumatra region. Let Panjang Port become a point of pride for Lampung.”

Source: radarlampung.disway.id