Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia Ranks 20th Globally in Container Port Performance Index
- Publish
- 2024/10/24
- Update
- 2025/08/15
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Indonesia, an Archipelagic Nation with Numerous Ports
As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia is home to numerous ports. Its largest container port is Tanjung Priok, also known as Jakarta Port. In the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) released by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), Tanjung Priok Port ranked 20th in the world.
This article introduces Tanjung Priok Port and explores the Indonesian government’s initiatives regarding port development and maritime transport, as well as its connection with Japan.
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Indonesia’s Container Ports by the Numbers
Tanjung Priok Port Ranks 20th in the Global Container Port Performance Index
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) released a report titled The Container Port Performance Index 2023, which compiles data under the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia ranked 20th globally. Among East and Southeast Asian ports, it placed 13th.
Indonesia’s second-largest port, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, East Java, ranked 105th in the world. Among Japanese ports, Yokohama ranked 9th, Nagoya 53rd, and Tokyo 59th globally.
East and Southeast Asia Container Port Performance Index Rankings (2023)
- Yangshan Deep Water Port (China – World Rank: 1st)
- Port of Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia – World Rank: 4th)
- Port of Chiwan (China – World Rank: 5th)
- Port of Guangzhou (China – World Rank: 7th)
- Cai Mep Port (Vietnam – World Rank: 8th)
- Port of Yokohama (Japan – World Rank: 9th)
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (China – World Rank: 11th)
- Ma Wan (Hong Kong – World Rank: 13th)
- Port of Dalian (China – World Rank: 14th)
- Port of Hong Kong (Hong Kong – World Rank: 15th)
- Port of Yeosu (South Korea – World Rank: 17th)
- Port of Singapore (Singapore – World Rank: 19th)
- Tanjung Priok Port (Indonesia – World Rank: 20th)
Source: The Container Port Performance Index 2023, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Also known as Jakarta Port, Tanjung Priok Port was established in 1883 during the Dutch colonial era and has a history spanning 140 years.
Currently operated by the state-owned enterprise PT. Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), it is the largest trade port in Indonesia, handling over 50% of the country’s transshipment cargo.
Located in North Jakarta, the port plays a vital role not only in exports and imports but also in inter-island transportation within the country. The port covers a vast area of 1,028 hectares (approximately five times the size of Tokyo Disney Resort).
Challenges Facing Tanjung Priok Port and the Future of Indonesia as a Maritime Nation
Tanjung Priok Port faces a number of challenges, including aging facilities and outdated management systems. Traffic congestion on surrounding roads has also been a long-standing issue.
The first step toward alleviating this congestion was the construction of an elevated toll road.
The Jalan tol Cawang–Priok (Cawang–Priok Toll Road), which connects Cawang in East Jakarta to Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta, is Indonesia’s first elevated toll road. Planning began in the 1970s, when concerns over traffic congestion were already emerging. Construction commenced in 1987 and was completed in 1990 after 776 days of work.
In the 2000s, additional efforts were made, including the construction of a 12.1-kilometer access road and the introduction of a traffic control system. Japan contributed to this initiative through Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Source: Kompas.com, “Cerita Pembangunan Jalan Tol Layang Pertama di Indonesia, Cawang–Priok…”
In 2016, then-President Joko Widodo’s administration declared its goal of making Indonesia the Poros Maritim Dunia (Global Maritime Fulcrum). This vision comprises five key agendas: revitalizing maritime culture, protecting and managing marine resources, promoting maritime diplomacy, strengthening maritime defense capabilities, and accelerating the development of maritime infrastructure.
To achieve this goal, efforts will not only focus on the efficient utilization of Tanjung Priok Port, but also on easing the concentration of traffic at this port through the development and redevelopment of other ports, as well as enhancing inter-port coordination.
Source: Ministry of Communication and Informatics, “Menuju Poros Maritim Dunia”
Precautions when conducting an on-site inspection in Indonesia
Some visitors consider, "My primary purpose is to conduct maintenance work at the factory, but the visa application process appears cumbersome. I will simply enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and carry out the work discreetly."
However, there have been numerous cases where entering without the appropriate visa for the intended activities has resulted in significant legal and operational issues. It is therefore strongly advised to obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
Here are the types of visas and their purposes.
Indonesia’s Container Ports in Visuals
Tanjung Priok Port, the Largest Container Port in Indonesia
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The Indonesian government, aiming to establish itself as a Global Maritime Fulcrum, has been working on expanding Tanjung Priok Port.
In 2016, a new terminal constructed under the leadership of Japanese companies including Mitsui & Co. was inaugurated. Further expansion is currently underway to meet the rapidly increasing cargo volume, improve handling capacity, and reduce cargo dwell time.
Patimban Port Under Construction
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The construction of Patimban Port began in 2018 as a long-term national project. The objectives include reducing logistics costs, streamlining transportation, easing traffic congestion and preventing road damage, as well as fostering stable economic growth.
Located in Subang, West Java, Patimban Port is being equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems. In addition to handling import and export cargo, it is expected to become a key hub for inter-island transport that contributes to nationwide development in Indonesia. By transferring the handling of vehicle imports and exports—including heavy vehicles—to Patimban Port, traffic congestion around Tanjung Priok Port is also expected to be alleviated.
Once completed, Patimban Port will match the scale of Tanjung Priok Port as a major container hub.
By 2023, access roads to the port, parts of the container terminal, and the automobile terminal had been completed. Currently, Phase 2 of the project is underway, focusing on the expansion of each terminal.
Sources: Ministry of Transportation “Pelabuhan Patimban, Pelabuhan Strategis untuk Masa Depan” “Wujud Indonesia Sentris, Pelabuhan Patimban Hadir Menyeimbangkan Arus Logistik Nasional”
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Taxi Troubles
IT company
We had planned to use a ride-hailing app for local transportation; however, due to the combination of the morning rush hour and heavy rain, no taxis were available even after waiting for over 30 minutes. In the end, we arranged a motorcycle taxi on short notice, but heavy traffic caused further delays. As a result, we were forced to postpone one of the two business meetings scheduled for the morning.
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Interpreter Issues
Cosmetics manufacturer
While traveling from central Jakarta to a client in the suburbs, our freelance local interpreter suddenly canceled. Since English was not widely understood in the area, we were unable to fully convey the finer nuances of our business discussions, which was highly regrettable. We came to realize that it would have been better to engage a professional interpreter through a reputable agency rather than relying on a low-cost freelancer.
Toward a Golden Indonesia
Following the 2016 Poros Maritim Dunia (Global Maritime Fulcrum) initiative, the Joko Widodo administration announced the Visi Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia Vision 2045) in 2019.
This vision sets forth the goal of Indonesia becoming the world’s fifth-largest economic power and a prosperous, equitable, and advanced nation by 2045, the centennial anniversary of its independence. Key policy pillars for achieving this vision include infrastructure development, human resource cultivation, and attracting investment.
Port development is naturally part of the infrastructure agenda. In terms of human resources, there is a need to train personnel capable of managing advanced ports equipped with digital systems like Patimban Port, alongside fostering improved individual moral standards.
As highlighted by then-President Joko Widodo during the 2016 inauguration of the new terminal at Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesian ports had historically been plagued by issues such as excessive cargo dwell times and corrupt practices, including requests for bribes by port personnel.
