Johor Port eyes Belawan-Johor corridor to deepen Malaysia-Indonesia connectivity

PASIR GUDANG: Johor Port Bhd, a member of MMC Group, is actively exploring opportunities with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 1 Belawan to establish a stronger maritime trade corridor connecting north Sumatra's Belawan and Johor.

The proposed Belawan–Johor trade corridor will facilitate seamless cargo movement, widen market access, and enhance Malaysia-Indonesia trade linkages and supply chain resilience, a Johor Port statement said.

"This opportunity goes beyond connecting the two ports. It is about bringing businesses and markets closer together, creating more efficient trade pathways and strengthening regional supply chains," Johor Port chief executive officer Md Derick Basir said.

By collaborating closely with Pelindo and regional industry stakeholders, both parties aim to identify practical trade opportunities that deliver value to businesses in both northern Sumatra and Johor, he said.

It is a strategic move to enhance regional economic integration, he said.

The initiative was discussed during Johor Port's visit to Belawan Port in early September 2026, held in conjunction with the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle 2026 Programme in Medan.

It was attended by Regional 1, Persero executive director Jonedi Ramli and Pelindo Regional 1 Belawan executive general manager Yusrizal.

KADIN head Kota Dumai Zulfan Ismaini, Johor Port's head of the container commercial department Raj Nadarajan, and BRI Regional Office Medan senior manager (transactions) Hanafi Ginting were also present.

Belawan Port is the main gateway to northern Sumatra's hinterland. Johor Port offers connectivity to the broader Malaysian market and established intra-Asia shipping networks, the statement said.

The proposed connection will support diverse trade sectors, including manufacturing, consumer products, industrial cargo, and bulk commodities. It also aligns with Johor Port's strategy to expand its commercial reach beyond its traditional geographical boundaries.

The multi-purpose port operator said both entities will continue to talk with shipping lines, cargo owners, and logistics providers to identify optimal cargo flows and establish a commercially sustainable service framework.

Johor Port, which operates a 163-5ha facility with 24 berths and 267ha of Pasir Gudang's free zone status, recorded its highest-ever container throughput of 1.08 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025.

It remains the world's largest single edible oil terminal and a major regional hub for London Metal Exchange cargoes, fertiliser, cement, rice, and cocoa.