At the end of April I was lucky enough to be invited by Pelindo 3 to join their blogger trip to Surabaya, East Java. Pelindo or PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) is a state-owned enterprise (BUMN) that runs the port services business as a port operator.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, so of course there are so many ports around Indonesia (thousands of ports). Pelindo manages around 103 ports. Pelindo 3 itself manages 43 ports around Central Java, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.

During our visit, we basically got to know Pelindo 3 better. I should say that I was really impressed by what I saw and experienced. Indonesia is truly a rich country with a lot of potential yet, yes sadly, with a lot of problems too.

It is not a secret that infrastructure is a huge problem for Indonesia. During the introduction of Pelindo 3 by Mr. Ahmad Nizar, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Governance of Pelindo 3, he stated one interesting fact; the cost of sending stuff from Surabaya to Hamburg, Germany, is cheaper than from Surabaya to Padang, Indonesia. With so many islands, Indonesia should really have good sea transportation.

view from control room Terminal Teluk Lamong

Teluk Lamong Terminal

If you ever think that a port is nasty and dirty you should definitely read more about Teluk Lamong Terminal located in Gresik, East Java. You’ll be surprised like I was!

I was interested in Teluk Lamong because it is the first semi-automatic terminal in Indonesia. It aims to be one of the first green / environmental friendly ports. It plans to do this by implementing practices such as reduced carbon emission, using solar cells and not using fossil-based energy.

We visited the control room where almost all the activities, such as moving containers using the Automatic Stacking Crane and also the Ship to Shore Crane, are controlled. All the transaction on the terminal is automated, so we rarely saw any people around the terminal, which in a sense improves safety levels. Teluk Lamong Terminal aims to be one of the biggest dry bulk terminals in the world.

ship to shore cranePelindo 3 crew

To visit Teluk Lamong Terminal you need a special permit, I’ll share two things that you can definitely experience by yourself.

ready for the fun cruise

Harbour Cruise with Artama III

Who said that there is nothing to do in Surabaya in terms of tourism? Watch out, the ‘Things to do in Surabaya’ article is coming your way (hopefully soon). So here is one thing that you should consider doing when you are visiting Surabaya: Fun Tour with Artama III Harbour Cruise. You can do the cruise (with the regular package) every Sunday from 09:00 – 11:00 am. It costs Rp 120,000 per person. Secure your spot by doing an early booking. Check their official website: Fun Tour Artama III.

You’ll start the journey from Roro Terminal, Dermaga Pojok-Surabaya Veem. For two hours you’ll cruise around the Tanjung Perak area and visit several spots (enjoy from the water, yes, you won’t get out from the boat until the tour ends) such as: container terminal, Heritage Building ADPEL Tanjung Perak, Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument (a monument that reflects the proud heritage of Indonesia as a maritime nation), and also the Suramadu bridge (the bridge that connects Java mainland with Madura Island).

Armata III harbour fun cruisefun cruise around Tanjung Perak area

The tour was such a fun experience. You can either stay on the top deck, where you can get the fresh air. Be careful though because it can get very windy. Alternatively, you can stay in the VIP room, sit down there, enjoy the journey and listen to the explanation (broadcast from the loudspeaker) about several spots that you visit. It is also possible to visit the front part / pavilion of the boat, but you have to wear a life jacket. You can order food and drinks, and you can even do karaoke during the cruise. This is totally a fun thing to do with a bunch of friends. We shared so many laughs (and songs) during the trip.

Surabaya North Quay

Surabaya North Quay

I can recall my own experience in Banda Neira when I went people watching at the port once a big ship was docked. It felt like watching a party; people walking around looking like they are celebrating something. While my people watching experience at Banda Neira port wasn’t anything close to fancy, visiting the Surabaya North Quay bring brought back the same memories, but with more sparks.

Surabaya North Quay is a new tourist destination in Surabaya. Surabaya North Quay is located on the second floor and third floor of Terminal Gapura Surya Nusantara, the modern passenger terminal, part of Tanjung Perak port. You don’t have to be a passenger on one of the big ferries to visit Surabaya North Quay. This place is open for everyone. While we arrived there at night, I am assuming that it is a great place to visit to enjoy sunset.

Activity in Surabaya North Quay

I should really tell you about Kampoeng Lawas Maspati, a village that we visited during the #Pelindo3 trip. I’ll write another piece about this since the experience was very memorable. After the trip with Pelindo 3, I guess Indonesia, my beloved country, is moving in the right direction with its infrastructure. Thank you Pelindo 3 for opening my eyes to the possibility of better sea transportation infrastructure for Indonesia.

Jalesveva Jayamahe.
At the sea we are triumphant.

*Some of the pictures by Hafidz Novalsyah-Pelindo 3.

Learn more about #Pelindo3:
1. Pelindo III Surabaya: Ini Dia Pelabuhan Paling Instagrammable di Indonesia! by Nanda
2. Surabaya North Quay, Pintu Gerbang Wisata Bahari Nusantara by Harris
3. Tanjung Perak, Tol Laut dan Mimpi Kejayaan Maritim Indonesia by Farchan
4. Pelindo 3 dan Impian Pelabuhan Mutakhir Indonesia by Satya
5. Alat Terminal Pelabuhan Tercanggih Dunia Ada di Surabaya! by Dani
6. Berlabuh di Surabaya North Quay by Wira
7. Tanjung Perak Hari Ini by Pungky
8. Hunting Foto di Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak Surabaya by Barry
9. Kisah Rangga dan Cinta di Surabaya North Quay by Sutiknyo
10. Kampung Lawas Maspati, Kampung Wisata Sejarah Penuh Kreasi by Imama (GNFI)