Tanjung Priok Jakarta (IDJKT)
Tanjung Priok is Indonesia's largest and busiest seaport, handling approximately 60% of the nation's containerized trade. Located on Java's north coast near Jakarta, it serves as the gateway for exports from Indonesia's industrial heartland, major textile manufacturing centers, and major commodity exporters.
Key features of Tanjung Priok include:
- Container Capacity: Handles over 9 million TEUs annually with multiple modern container terminals
- Commodity Facilities: Specialized handling for textiles, footwear, palm oil, rubber, and furniture exports
- Mediterranean & Middle East Services: Growing direct connections to Mediterranean ports including services to Red Sea and Israeli ports
- Inland Connectivity: Road and rail connections to Java's manufacturing regions, Sumatra, and industrial zones
- Consolidation Services: LCL consolidation available for smaller shipments
For Israel-bound cargo, Tanjung Priok offers the most frequent and reliable services via the Suez Canal. Transit time to Israeli ports is typically 20-26 days with major carriers. The port's proximity to Jakarta's textile companies, footwear manufacturers, trading companies, and food processors makes it the primary choice for most Indonesian exporters.
Tanjung Perak Surabaya (IDSUB)
Tanjung Perak is Indonesia's second-largest seaport, located in Surabaya on East Java's coast. It serves eastern Indonesia, including the major furniture-producing centers of East Java and regional commodity exporters from Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.
Tanjung Perak characteristics:
- Handles approximately 20-25% of Indonesia's seaborne trade
- Primary port for furniture, rubber, and commodity exports from eastern Indonesia
- Direct access to East Java's furniture manufacturing clusters
- Serves regional exporters and trading companies
- Less congested alternative during peak seasons at Jakarta
- Competitive handling charges and flexible scheduling
Most Israel-bound cargo from Surabaya transits via Singapore before proceeding to the Suez Canal route, adding 2-3 days compared to direct Jakarta services. However, for exporters in East Java, Sumatra, and eastern regions, Surabaya offers significant inland transportation cost savings and faster port processing compared to trucking to Jakarta.
Supporting Ports
Several Indonesian ports support specific commodity exports:
- Belawan (Medan): Primary export port for Sumatran palm oil, rubber, and specialty products with some direct services to Middle East and Mediterranean routes
- Port Klang (Malaysia Transit): Many Indonesian exporters consolidate cargo in Klang for efficient feeder services
Carrier Services
Major shipping lines operating routes from Indonesia to Mediterranean and Middle East ports include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, Evergreen, and regional carriers. Most offer services from Jakarta with routing via Suez Canal to Israeli destinations. Services vary in frequency and transshipment points, with some carriers offering more direct Mediterranean connections.