UN/LOCODE: IDPLM📍 Indonesia
Port of Palembang, Sumatra (UN/LOCODE IDPLM)
❖ Coordinates: -2.9761°N, 104.7754°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Jakarta
❖ UN/LOCODE: IDPLM
## About the Port
Palembang Port (UN/LOCODE: **IDPLM**) is a key gateway on the island of Sumatra, located in the province of South Sumatra, Indonesia. Situated on the Musi River, approximately 7 km from the city of Palembang’s downtown, the port handles a mix of domestic and international traffic serving the economic heartland of southern Sumatra. The facility operates under a tropical monsoon climate, with the time zone **Asia/Jakarta (UTC+7)**. Geographically, the port’s coordinates are **‑2.9760735°N, 104.7754307°E**, placing it at the confluence of the Musi River and its tributaries, which drain the fertile plains of South Sumatra.
The port is managed by the state‑owned **Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo)** network, which integrates Palembang into Indonesia’s national maritime logistics chain. Although its container handling capacity is modest compared with the major Java ports, Palembang’s strategic location makes it a vital hub for the transport of bulk commodities, general cargo, and passenger services in the Sumatra region.
## History
### Early Foundations
Trade along the Musi River dates back to the 7th century Srivijaya empire, when Palembang was a premier maritime entrepôt. The river’s navigable depth allowed large junks to load gold, spices, and precious stones, establishing the city’s reputation as a commercial nucleus of the archipelago.
### Colonial Era
During the Dutch East Indies period (mid‑19th to early‑20th century), the colonial government modernized the riverine facilities. In 1906, a formal port authority was established, and a deepened channel was cut to accommodate larger steamships. The port became a critical outlet for South Sumatra’s emerging agricultural exports, notably **rubber, coffee, and tobacco**, which were shipped to European markets.
### Post‑Independence Development
After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, Palembang Port remained a focal point for regional trade. The 1970s saw the construction of a modern cargo terminal, complemented by the expansion of the river’s depth to 7 meters to permit larger vessels. The 1990s introduced container handling equipment, aligning the port with global containerization trends.
### Recent Enhancements
In the 2010s, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation undertook a comprehensive upgrade program, focusing on rehabilitating berths, improving crane infrastructure, and establishing a dedicated **container freight station**. These initiatives were aimed at increasing the port’s competitiveness against neighboring ports such as Belawan (North Sumatra) and Tanjung Priok (Java). For more detailed historical data, see the official UN/LOCODE entry for Palembang [IDPLM]^(https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/unlocode/UNLOCODE_Directory_pdf/2022/2022_unlocode_directory.pdf).
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Depth
Palembang Port currently operates three main berths (Berth 1, Berth 2, and the container berth), each designed for different vessel types:
* **Berth 1** – General cargo and bulk commodities; maximum draft 8 m.
* **Berth 2** – Liquid bulk (including palm oil) and passenger vessels; draft up to 7 m.
* **Container Berth** – Modern container handling; draft 9 m to accommodate mother ships up to 14,000 TEU (future‑phase expansion aims for 12 m).
The Musi River’s natural depth and tidal conditions support these berths, with an average tidal range of 1.5‑2 m.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
The port’s equipment suite includes:
* **Gantry cranes** (HS‑type) for container operations, with a capacity of 30 t.
* **Reach stackers** and **strap‑over‑strap** cranes for bulk cargo.
* **Mobile loading bridges** for general cargo and passenger ferries.
A newly installed **automated gate system** streamlines customs clearance, reducing vessel turnaround time by an estimated 15 % since its 2021 rollout.
### Inland Connectivity
Palembang Port is linked to the national rail network via a short spur line that connects to the Trans‑Sumatra Railway, facilitating the movement of cargo to interior markets such as Jambi and Lampung. Road access includes the **Trans‑Sumatra Highway** (Indonesia National Route 20), providing seamless multimodal options for hinterland distribution.
### Environmental & Safety Measures
In response to growing environmental concerns, the port has implemented a **ballast water management plan** aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s BWM Convention. Ongoing dredging projects aim to maintain navigable depth while minimizing ecological impact through sediment containment and disposal strategies.
## Economic Importance
Palembang Port serves as the principal commercial artery for **South Sumatra’s resource‑based economy**. The province accounts for roughly **30 % of Indonesia’s palm oil production**, and the port is the primary export channel for crude palm oil (CPO), palm kernels, and related by‑products. Additionally, the region’s rubber plantations, coal mines, and fisheries rely heavily on the port’s facilities.
The port’s hinterland encompasses over **10 million inhabitants**, spanning agricultural plains, mining districts, and urban centers. This large consumer base drives a steady demand for imported consumer goods, machinery, and fuel, reinforcing Palembang’s role as a **two‑way trade hub**.
Statistically, the port handles approximately **2.5‑3 million TEU** annually (including feeder vessels) and processes **8‑10 million tonnes** of bulk commodities each year. While modest compared with Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok, these figures represent a significant share of Sumatra’s domestic trade flow.
The Indonesian government’s **Maritime Axis Program** prioritizes Palembang as a strategic node for the **Western Sumatra corridor**, allocating funds for infrastructure upgrades and digital port management systems. These investments aim to boost cargo throughput by **20 %** within five years and attract new shipping lines, thereby reducing reliance on Java‑centric ports.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Routes
1. **Regional Feeder Services** – Scheduled vessels connect Palembang with the Indonesian archipelagic network, linking to Surabaya, Makassar, and Manado (via Java and Eastern Indonesia).
2. **International Asian Routes** – Long‑haul carriers from China, Japan, and South Korea call at Palembang for **palm oil**, **rubber**, and **coal**.
3. **Middle East & European Routes** – Opportunistic services from Gulf ports and Rotterdam transport Indonesian commodities to global markets, often using vessel‑specific voyages.
The port’s **draft depth** now permits the use of larger Panama‑max vessels during favorable drafts, expanding cargo capacity for bulk shipments.
### Major Cargo Types
* **Bulk Commodities** – CPO, palm kernels, rubber sheets, and coal dominate export volumes, often handled via gondola unloaders and conveyor systems.
* **General Cargo** – Consumer electronics, automotive parts, and agricultural inputs are imported, supporting the hinterland’s retail and manufacturing sectors.
* **Container Freight** – Growing demand for containerized goods, especially e‑commerce parcels, has driven the expansion of the container terminal.
* **Passenger & Ferry Services** – Domestic ferries link Palembang with Jakarta, Bandung, and other Sumatra cities, providing vital regional connectivity.
The **Indonesian Port Authority** (https://www.pelabuhan.co.id) publishes real‑time berth schedules and cargo statistics, offering stakeholders transparent access to operational data.
### Outlook
Future developments focus on **digitalizing customs clearance** through the Single Window system, enhancing **cold‑chain logistics** for perishable imports, and expanding **green port initiatives** such as shore‑power provision and LNG‑fueled berths. These measures are expected to increase Palembang’s competitiveness within Indonesia’s maritime logistics ecosystem and attract additional shipping lines to its established trade lanes.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
IDPLM
Country
Indonesia
Province / Region
South Sumatra
Latitude
-2.976074
Longitude
104.775431
Timezone
Asia/Jakarta
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Palembang, Sumatra?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Palembang, Sumatra is IDPLM.
Where is Port of Palembang, Sumatra located?
The Port of Palembang, Sumatra is located in Indonesia, South Sumatra. Its coordinates are -2.9761°N, 104.7754°E.
What time zone is Port of Palembang, Sumatra in?
Port of Palembang, Sumatra operates in the Asia/Jakarta time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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