TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia IV [Pelindo IV] has opened a direct call from Balikpapan Kariangau Container Terminal to China. The direct shipping is expected to cut costs and expedite delivery time.
State-owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno said local governments should cooperate in supporting the direct call, which was served by shipping company SITC.
Rini hopes the service can stimulate East Kalimantan’s economy.
“This is the form of SOE’s presence for the country, as a main pillar in increasing people’s welfare and the economic growth of East Kalimantan,” she said in a press release Monday, April 9.
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The first direct call to Shanghai from Kariangau Terminal was by the MV Meratus Tomini boat that carried 100 containers of processed wood and chocolate. The ship is scheduled to arrive next week.
Pelindo IV president director Doso Agung said direct calls could lower logistics costs and shorten the time-travel between ports.
The trip between Balikpapan and Shanghai used to take 25 to 30 days. With direct calls, the time required is now cut by about a third to just 9 days.
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