Batu Ampar direct-call container volume jumps 125% in Jan-May

By Ranuh Rafiani Putri

Container volumes handled through international direct-call services at Batu Ampar Container Terminal in Batam rose 125% in the first five months of 2026, underscoring the port's growing role as a regional logistics hub along the Malacca Strait, according to data released by BP Batam.

The terminal handled 58,237 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through direct-call services during January-May 2026, compared with 25,904 TEUs in the same period last year.

The number of direct-call vessel arrivals also increased sharply, reaching 106 calls during the period, up 212% from 34 calls a year earlier.

BP Batam Deputy for Business Development Denny Tondano said the growth reflected Batam's increasingly strategic position within regional and international trade networks.

"TPK Batu Ampar's international direct-call network currently reaches at least seven major countries in Asia. This connectivity is a key factor in improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening Batam's role as a logistics, trade and industrial hub integrated with global markets," Denny said in a statement on Thursday.

He said BP Batam would continue working with terminal operators to improve port facilities, expand capacity, digitalize services and attract additional international shipping routes.

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The growth was supported by higher service frequencies from existing shipping lines as well as the addition of new operators.

According to BP Batam, international direct-call services in the January-May 2025 period were provided only by SITC and Evergreen. In 2026, the network expanded with the addition of Samudera and COSCO Shipping.

SITC recorded 55 vessel calls during the first five months of 2026, handling 32,266 TEUs, while Evergreen operated 30 calls carrying 14,792 TEUs. Samudera handled 7,103 TEUs through 11 calls, while COSCO Shipping recorded 10 calls carrying 4,077 TEUs.

Benny Syahroni, director of the Port Management and Operations Agency, said the increase in vessel calls and cargo volumes reflected growing confidence among international shipping companies in Batu Ampar's services and infrastructure.

"The increase in direct-call frequency and container volume indicates that efforts to improve service quality, operational efficiency and port infrastructure are moving in the right direction," Benny said.

He added that the presence of more direct-call services had expanded shipping options for exporters and importers while reducing transit times, improving schedule reliability and lowering logistics costs.

Batu Ampar's direct-call network now connects Batam directly with major ports across Asia, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Nansha, Yangpu and Qinzhou in China; Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; Port Klang, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in Malaysia; Singapore; Laem Chabang in Thailand; Sihanoukville in Cambodia; and Yangon in Myanmar.

The expansion comes as Indonesia seeks to strengthen logistics infrastructure and improve connectivity to support trade, manufacturing and investment growth in strategic industrial zones such as Batam.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak