Macassar, Indonesia
Macassar is the historic gateway to eastern Indonesia, renowned as a major port and cultural hub.
Port Overview
Macassar, also known as Makassar, is located on the southwest coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, facing the Makassar Strait. It is the largest city in eastern Indonesia and ranks as the country’s fifth-largest urban center. The port of Makassar is strategically important as a major gateway and distribution hub for eastern Indonesia, linking the region to national and international shipping routes. Its annual container throughput is approximately 700,000 TEUs, making it one of Indonesia’s busiest regional ports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Makassar Port features multiple specialized terminals for containers, bulk, and general cargo, with a total berth length of about 1,500 meters. The container terminal has a capacity of up to 2.5 million TEUs annually. Facilities include advanced gantry cranes with 40-meter outreach, mobile harbor cranes, extensive storage yards, refrigerated container facilities, and bulk material handling systems. The port supports Panamax and post-Panamax vessels and is equipped with modern navigation and security systems. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently highlighted among its main equipment.
Container Terminals
Macassar (Makassar), Indonesia’s main container terminals feature approximately 1,500 meters of berth length and a combined annual capacity exceeding 1 million TEUs, with the new Makassar New Port adding significant capacity. The terminals use semi-automated systems with modern quay cranes, electric RTGs, and advanced yard management. Major operations are managed by PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas Makassar, the primary state-owned port operator.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern container terminals with capacity exceeding 1 million TEUs, supporting efficient loading and unloading of containers.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for general cargo, bulk cargo, and specialized cargo handling, including cranes and mobile equipment.
- Ship services: Provision of fuel, water, provisions, pilotage, tug assistance, limited ship repairs, and garbage disposal.
- Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing for various cargo types, supporting both short-term and long-term needs.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services, supporting import, export, and transshipment activities.
Global Connectivity
Makassar, Indonesia, serves as the primary maritime hub for eastern Indonesia, connecting key domestic ports such as Surabaya, Jakarta, and Papua, and providing direct shipping routes to major international markets including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. The port supports regional trade and logistics, reducing reliance on Java-based transshipment, and is positioned as a strategic export gateway for eastern Indonesia’s growing economy.
Port Statistics
Port Name: Makassar (Macassar), Indonesia
TEU Throughput: Approximately 700,000–800,000 TEU annually
World Ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
Number of Berths: 16
Port Area: About 65 hectares
Shipping Lines: Served by major domestic and international lines, including Pelni, Meratus, and Samudera, with regular connections to Java, Papua, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and international routes.
