The two primary modes of overland cargo transport – road freight and rail freight often compete, yet can complement each other in intermodal transport systems. Both modes offer unique benefits and have been dominant in the industry. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), medium and heavy trucks account for 26% of total sector GHG emissions, while railroads contribute just 2%. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) estimates that freight railroads are 3-4 times more fuel-efficient than trucks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% when cargo is moved by train instead of truck. “We align with these findings. They drive our decision to launch a multimodal transportation service using trains that connect various export-import centers in Indonesia,” said Iko Sukma Handriadianto, Head of International Service at PT. Bintang Laut Platinum (BLP), in an interview with Indonesia Shipping Gazette. Recognizing the potential, efficiency, and environmental benefits, BLP has established a container train transportation service connecting Indonesia’s international trade centers with major ports/terminals. Headquartered in Surabaya, BLP is a Multimodal Transportation Operator (BUAM) and is customs registered as an international train multimodal transporter. Iko explained several factors that motivated BLP to offer this service. transportation service using trains that connect various export-import centers in Indonesia,” said Iko Sukma Handriadianto, Head of International Service at PT. Bintang Laut Platinum (BLP), in an interview with Indonesia Shipping Gazette. Recognizing the potential, efficiency, and environmental benefits, BLP has established a container train transportation service connecting Indonesia’s international trade centers with major ports/terminals. Headquartered in Surabaya, BLP is a Multimodal Transportation Operator (BUAM) and is customs registered as an international train multimodal transporter. Iko explained several factors that motivated BLP to offer this service.
First, the availability of a railway network connecting trade centers with ports that handle the highest export/import volumes. The double-track railway connecting Surabaya, Semarang, and Jakarta links the top three largest ports in Indonesia: Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, and Tanjung Emas in Semarang. “The Java double-track railway net works, both North and South Lanes, are built and should be optimized for freight transportation, especially containers,” said Iko. Second, the industrial growth in Central Java has been robust, generating more export cargo. However, Tanjung Emas Port faces bottlenecks due to flooding and a shallow basin, preventing larger vessels from berthing. Consequently, many export containers from Central Java are transited to Tanjung Priok or Tanjung Perak. “Semarang Seaport is limited by its basin depth, necessitating the use of smaller feeder vessels,” Iko noted. Third, certain goods cannot be transported via feeder ships and require alternative modes. “The train mode solves this issue,” emphasized Iko.
Services Routes
BLP’s container train services cover three main routes: Surabaya-Jakarta, Surabaya-Semarang, and Semarang-Jakarta, with loading/unloading points at various container terminals in the respective ports. For example, the Semarang Jakarta route loads at Semarang Tawang Kargo Ronggowarsito Station (IDSMT) and serves container exports from Central Java through transit points at Tanjung Priok Port, including JICT, Koja Container Terminal, NPCT1, and IPC TPK Terminal 3. This route is serviced by the KA. Banteng Cargo 1 Train (Voyage No.2509), which operates daily, departing at 13:00 and arriving at 23:00. BLP also serves exports from Semarang via transit points at Tanjung Perak Port Surabaya, including Surabaya Container Terminal and the Teluk Lamong Terminal. This route is handled by the KA. Banteng Cargo 2 Train (Voyage No: 2510), departin daily at 12:00 and arriving at 23:00 in Surabaya.
Another route, Surabaya-Jakarta, operates from Surabaya Benteng Station Export Loading Port (IDSBE) to Jakarta, with transit terminals including JICT, NPCT1, TPK Koja, and Terminal 3. This route is served by the KA. Banteng Cargo 1 Train (Voyage No 2509), which departs daily at 05:45 and arrives at 23:00. docs. blp consignees at the port of origin, ensuring a single document for customs clearance. Second, customs clearance is performed at the port of origin; third, the service is timely with regular schedules; fourth, it is more efficient in document handling and cost effective by including transit port handling. The train comprises of 30 GD and 60 TEUS flat carriages. The container depot firm PT. Dwipa Kharisma Mitra, a BLP subsidiary company, manages loading and unloading. Each train port has two reach stackers, as well as customs-supervised storage and stacking spaces. BLP also provides supplementary services such as pickup and trucking, if required by customers. “Customers can handle pickup and trucking themselves or through third parties,” said Iko.
Advantages of BLP Multimodal Services
Iko highlighted several advantages of this service. First, it offers an integrated system that aligns customs systems with international carrier manifests and seaport terminal systems. Customs clearance is handled by shippers or “BL, PEB, NPE, and COO documents are issued at the origin station, eliminating the need for customs clearance at transit terminals,” Iko explained. Fifth, it is more environmentally friendly compared to trucking, as one head is used for one container. Sixth, customs supervision is easier, and transport documents are simpler. Lastly, this service enables the printing of export figures from the origin area. “Furthermore, the government supports the development of economic centers and encourages local industry growth along railway networks. Reducing heavy road traffic is also a priority,” Iko added.
Cooperation and Market Expansion
BLP collaborates with several parties in its operations. It rents flat carriage trains with a 60 TEU capacity from state-owned PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). For loading/ unloading at Semarang Cargo Station and Jakarta Gudang Station, BLP partners with PT Kereta Api Logistik (KALOG) under a joint operation scheme. PT KALOG, a subsidiary of PT KAI, specializes in freight transportation by train. Several leading shipping companies, including CMA CGM and its affiliates ANL, CNC, and APL, utilize this service for their container shipments. “Many shipping and logistics companies have shown interest. We are grateful and continue to seek opportunities with them,” said Iko. Given the high demand, BLP intends to extend its services. “Service expansion is quite likely. We are evaluating options to facilitate export and import activities along Java‘s railway network,” Iko explained. BLP is also planning an international transshipment service with a Surabaya hub for international containers from Eastern Indonesia. Iko expects strong government support, considering this international multimodal service is a pioneering logistics breakthrough. “Government support is crucial as this service promotes equitable regional economic development with global access,” concluded Iko.(dj)
