Baai Island Port Ready to Operate Optimally, Minister of Transportation Appreciates Pelindo
Bengkulu, July 11, 2025 - The Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Dudy Purwagandhi, appreciated Pelindo for working hard to overcome the siltation problem at Baai Island Port before the deadline set in Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 12 of 2025, which is July 31, 2025. This shows a solid collaboration between Pelindo and the Central Government, the Regional Government, the Baai Island Port Office and Port Authority, as well as various related agencies in Bengkulu.
Minister of Transportation Dudy said that since a few days ago, trials have been carried out in and out of ships at Baai Island Port, Bengkulu. Two ships were tested, namely KM M.H. Thamrin carrying 110 passengers and KMP Pulo Tello carrying fuel tank cars.
"The trial run was carried out to test the feasibility of ship movements in the shipping channel which is currently being dredged. The shipping trials of KM M.H. Thamrin and KMP Pulo Tello were carried out in good weather and the highest tide conditions," said Minister of Transportation Dudy.
From the results of the trial, it was concluded that Baai Island Port can operate again, after previously experiencing problems due to siltation.
Pelindo President Director Arif Suhartono expressed his gratitude for the support and trust given to Pelindo in efforts to accelerate dredging and restore port operations.
"We are very grateful that the shipping lanes can be passed smoothly and safely. This is a form of our commitment in carrying out the Government's assignment to maintain the smooth running of the national logistics chain with the full support of the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation," Arif said.
Arif added that the shipping channel will gradually return to normal. After completing the dredging of the emergency channel with a depth of up to -4 mLWS, the process will continue with the normalization of the channel to a depth of -6.5 mLWS, then dredging will continue until it reaches a maximum depth of -12 mLWS.
Appreciation and gratitude were also expressed by the Head of DPW Indonesia Shipping Agencies Association (ISAA) Bengkulu, Indarto, for the reopening of the shipping channel at Baai Island Port, Bengkulu.
“The opening of this channel is not only good news for the shipping world, but also for the business world and is also an important milestone in supporting the smooth flow of logistics and economic growth in the Bengkulu Province region,” said Indarto.
Until today (11/7) at 08.00 WIB, at least twenty-six ships have successfully passed through the shipping channel at Baai Island Port, Bengkulu.
"We hope that this synergy will continue to complete the dredging process until it is completely finished. Thus, logistics distribution to Enggano Island and other areas can run smoothly and have a positive impact on the regional economy," concluded Arif.
