REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,JAKARTA -- The government's target to establish Indonesia as an Asia-Pacific logistics hub through Bonded Logistics Centers (PLB) shows positive progress. PLB operators are now establishing logistics centers in eastern Indonesia.

The Indonesian Bonded Logistics Centers Association (PPLBI), as the representative body for PLB operators, notes that current PLB development is expanding beyond Java Island, particularly toward eastern Indonesia. Establishing PLBs outside Java reflects operators' commitment to realizing Indonesia's goal as an Asia-Pacific logistics hub and supporting strategic industry development nationwide.

"Eastern Indonesia is the next priority for PLB operators," said PPLBI Chairperson Ety Puspitasari at the Jakarta International Logistics Summit & Expo (JILSE) event in Jakarta on Thursday (20/10).

PLB operators recognize promising potential in eastern regions and believe the vision of becoming an Asia-Pacific logistics hub is achievable. CKB Logistics President Director Iman Sjafei stated that CKB Logistics has opened a PLB in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. "It was recently inaugurated and already has five units of heavy equipment imported by our client from Singapore," said Iman.

He explained that CKB Logistics is currently exploring other strategic industries to support government programs, including machinery and transportation, chemical, food and beverage, and electronics industries. CKB is one of 11 companies appointed as first-phase PLB operators.

PLBs are essential for domestic and international businesses in facilitating storage of import-export goods in Indonesia – a strategic government initiative toward establishing Indonesia as the Asia-Pacific logistics hub.