East Java Tourism News

History in brief

October 5th, 2006

The Port of Tanjung Perak is one of the main gate way port of Indonesia. It is the principal port in East Java, and the main cargo collection and distribution center for both the Province of East Java, and the whole eastern archipelago of Indonesia.

The port is therefore the maritime transportation hub for the eastern region of Indonesia, servicing both International and Interisland shipping in the region.
Historically ocean liners anchored in the Straits of Madura adjacent to the town of Surabaya, and loaded and unloaded their cargoes by barges and small boats that through the Kalimas (a narrow river), to reach Jembatan Merah, which was the old port of Surabaya, located in the heart of Surabaya city.

Growth in trade and cargo traffic resulted in a demand for additional port infrastructure, and cargo traffic congestion showed that the old facilities of Jembatan Merah were inadequate. In 1875, Ir.W.de.Jongth, a Dutch engineer, drafted a plan for a new port which would allow ocean going vessels to loaded and discharged cargoes directly alongside wharf structures, without the help of barges and small boats, but this plan was rejected at the time because of its high cost.
During the first decade of the 20th century, a more acceptable solution was proposed by Ir.W.B. Van Goor. It again defined the urgent need for conventional wharf structures where all ocean going ships would be moored along- side piers. Prof. DR. J. Kraus and G. J. de Jongth were sent out from the Netherlands to provide advice and to design the future Port of Tanjung Perak development.

In 1910, construction of the new harbour began . During the period of construction, many of the requests were received to use uncompleted wharves. Consequently, the development plan was extended to satisfy this demand.

Since this time, the Port of Tanjung Perak has contributed greatly to the economic development of the Eastern Indonesian region-influencing the growth of trade and development in East Java. The physical development of the Port of Tanjung Perak has continued to present day, with modification of existing berths, and provision of additional berths specifically designed for container handling operations. In addition, the Port Authority has been responsible for encouragement of development of associated port industries, and the construction of the passenger terminal, and continues to upgrade and improve both port facilities and services to meet demand.

Entry Filed under: East Java News