Aceh Marks Milestone with First Direct CPO Export to India, Signaling Investment Potential
Banda Aceh, Indonesia – Aceh has achieved a significant milestone in its trade and economic development with the inaugural direct shipment of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) to India, a move that signals a revitalization of the Krueng Geukueh Port and a new era for the province's economy.
The first export of 2025, a shipment of 6,500 metric tons of CPO by PT Agro Murni, set sail for Kakinada Port, India, aboard the Panamanian-flagged vessel, Hai Xiang 19. This marks the first direct CPO shipment from the port since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor of Aceh, H. Muzakir Manaf, known as Mualem, has thrown his full support behind the initiative, aiming to restore the Krueng Geukueh Port as a bustling hub for export-import activities. This direct export route is a crucial step towards that goal, allowing Aceh to bypass the Belawan Port in Medan, North Sumatra, which was previously the primary channel for the province's CPO exports.
"Today, we are sending 6,500 metric tons of CPO from the PT. Aceh Makmur Bersama Bonded Logistics Center, directly from the Krueng Geukueh Public Port in North Aceh to Kakinda Port, India," said Tarmizi, from the management of PT. Aceh Makmur Bersama (AMB), during the inaugural launch. "This is the first shipment post-COVID-19."
The direct export is made possible by the PT. Aceh Makmur Bersama (AMB) Bonded Logistics Center (PLB), which has been officially operating since November 2019. The facility is designed to streamline the export process for businesses operating within Aceh, making it more efficient and profitable.
"We express our appreciation for the support and the comfortable business environment provided by the Governor of Aceh, H. Muzakir Manaf, the Regent of North Aceh, the Head of the Aceh Provincial Customs Office, the Head of the Lhokseumawe Customs Office, and the Directors of PT. Pelindo Multi Terminal Branch Lhokseumawe," Tarmizi added.
The economic implications of this direct trade route are expected to be substantial. According to Tarmizi, beyond benefiting the businesses involved, the direct export will have a positive impact on the local economy and increase the Regional Original Income (PAD) for both the province of Aceh and the North Aceh Regency.
Joni Hutama MMTR, the Branch Manager of PT. Pelindo Multi Terminal Lhokseumawe, echoed this sentiment. He praised PT. AMB and PT. Agro Murni for utilizing the Krueng Geukueh Port and called for continued support from the government.
"To empower and smooth the export process through the Krueng Geukueh Public Port, we need the support of the Aceh Provincial Government and the North Aceh Regency Government to create policies related to the export of Aceh's leading commodities," he said. "With such policies, we hope to increase the interest of investors to invest in Aceh. This will have a domino effect on improving the community's economy and opening up job opportunities."
He affirmed that this aligns with Pelindo's mission to enhance regional growth by continuously improving port facilities, including both infrastructure and regulations, to facilitate the smooth flow of exports and imports. This landmark shipment is a clear demonstration of Aceh's readiness to re-engage with the global market and attract new investment.
