South Sumatra Launches Tanjung Carat Port, Realizing a 40-Year Vision

Realizing a 40-Year Dream, South Sumatra Provincial Government Officially Launches National Strategic Project of Tanjung Carat Port

Palembang – After a four-decade-long wait, the people of South Sumatra have finally reached a turning point. The South Sumatra Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor H. Herman Deru, has officially launched the Palembang New Port Project at Tanjung Carat. The inauguration of this strategic project was held at Griya Agung, Palembang, on Thursday (April 9).

This event marks an important milestone for connectivity and economic acceleration in South Sumatra. The launch was attended by several cabinet members, including Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Nusron Wahid, Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Todotua Pasaribu, and Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Muhammad Qodari.

In his remarks, Governor Herman Deru expressed his gratitude for the realization of an idea that has spanned eight previous gubernatorial administrations.

“The idea of building a deep-sea port in South Sumatra began 40 years ago. While neighboring provinces in southern Sumatra already have their own ports, South Sumatra had been left behind. Today, we are beginning to realize that dream,” said Herman Deru.

He emphasized that Tanjung Carat Port is a permanent solution to the limitations of Boom Baru Port. Currently, Boom Baru Port is experiencing severe sedimentation, making it difficult for large vessels to pass through. Its location in the city center also frequently causes traffic congestion and increases the risk of accidents.

South Sumatra is a major global commodity hub, with abundant natural resources. It is the third-largest coffee producer in the world, with approximately 208,000 hectares of plantations, as well as around 1.4 million hectares of oil palm plantations, and significant rubber production. Until now, exports of these commodities have often had to go through neighboring provinces.

“With Tanjung Carat, logistics flows will become far more efficient and will enhance the region’s image. I assure you that all administrative and land issues have been finalized—there are no more obstacles,” the Governor affirmed.

Deputy Minister of Investment Todotua Pasaribu stated that this project is a key instrument in supporting the central government’s downstreaming and gasification policies. The port will be directly integrated with the Palembang–Tanjung Carat Toll Road, which connects further to Prabumulih and Muara Enim.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi targets the entire construction to be completed before 2029. “This development is a strategic step to reduce national logistics costs. We will closely oversee the project to ensure it is completed on time and delivers its intended benefits,” he explained.

From a legal perspective, Minister of ATR/BPN Nusron Wahid assured full support in land registration and spatial planning to maintain a conducive investment climate. Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Staff Office Muhammad Qodari committed to coordinating and resolving any on-site challenges to ensure the National Strategic Project (PSN) proceeds according to schedule.

As a closing, a joint commitment agreement was signed between relevant ministries, regional leaders, and executives of state-owned and region-owned enterprises. This cross-sector synergy is expected to become the main driving force behind the successful development of the Palembang New Port at Tanjung Carat, envisioned as a new economic gateway for South Sumatra.