JAKARTA. State-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo III) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday with flag carrier Garuda Indonesia to help enhance its information and technology sector in the ports it manages.

The MoU was signed by Pelindo III president director Djarwo Sujanto and Garuda CEO M. Arif Wibowo at Garuda City Center in Cengkareng, Banten, just west of Jakarta.

Djarwo said the IT sector is crucial for the development of 43 ports across the seven provinces it currently manages as well as its 10 subsidiaries and affiliates.

“The technology keeps developing and we want to learn and work with Garuda on how to better develop the IT system in our ports,” Djarwo said after the signing ceremony.

He was hoping that enhanced IT systems would better develop its flagship projects such as the Teluk Lamong Multipurpose Terminal and Java Industrial Port Estate (JIIPE), both are located in East Java, near the country’s second largest port, Tanjung Perak, which is also managed by Pelindo III.

He also said that in the near future, all permits and clearances that the firm issues, including the Port Clearance (SPB), would be managed through an online platform.

In addition, the agreement also outlined Garuda’s support as a carrier to employees of Pelindo III and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

“All of their employees will be guaranteed seats in all of our flights and other benefits in order to help support their work and business travels,” Arif said.

Garuda currently flies to more than 70 domestic and international destinations with its 160 aircraft.

Editor: Hendra Gunawan