The Indonesian ports of Pontianak, Banjarmasin and Belawan are experiencing congestion ahead of the Muslim holiday of Idul Fitri.

“Congestion at the three ports is getting worse,” Asmari Herry, co-chairperson for container transportation at the Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA), told CargonewsAsia.

Herry said the approaching holiday had created a 15% surge in the number of ships visiting Pontianak and Banjarmasin ports.

“Damaged equipment and poor piling yard capacity exacerbate the situation, creating high-cost economy,” he added.

According to Herry, it will now take vessels five to seven days of waiting at the three ports, in order to access cargo loading services.

Herry suggested that state port operator Pelindo should support more piling capacity at the affected ports, “otherwise, the cost will be higher, affecting goods prices.”

Source: portworld