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Indonesian Researchers Propose Green Port Model to Support Sustainable Maritime Development
Indonesia’s ports could become a key driver of sustainable economic growth and climate action under a new Green Port governance model developed by researchers Taufik Akbar, Dedi Purwana, and Herlitah from Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ). Published in 2026 in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the study presents an integrated framework designed to improve port efficiency, strengthen environmental protection, and enhance governance across Indonesia’s maritime sector. The findings are particularly significant as Indonesia seeks to reduce logistics costs, increase global competitiveness, and meet its national commitment to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060.
Why Green Ports Matter for Indonesia
Ports are the backbone of global trade. More than 80 percent of international commerce moves by sea, making ports critical infrastructure for economic development. For Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with more than 17,000 islands, ports serve not only as gateways for international trade but also as essential links connecting communities, industries, and regional economies.
Despite their strategic importance, Indonesian ports continue to face major challenges. National logistics costs are estimated at between 23 and 27 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), significantly higher than the ASEAN average of approximately 15 percent. High costs are often associated with operational inefficiencies, complex administrative procedures, and infrastructure limitations.
At the same time, port activities generate environmental pressures, including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, waste generation, and impacts on coastal ecosystems. As governments and industries worldwide accelerate climate action efforts, pressure is growing for ports to adopt more sustainable management practices.
The Green Port concept has emerged globally as a solution that balances economic performance, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Leading international ports, including Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Los Angeles in the United States, and Singapore, have already integrated digital technology, clean energy systems, and collaborative governance into their operations.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research combined qualitative and quantitative approaches to develop an integrative Green Port model specifically suited to Indonesia’s maritime sector.
The study focused on two ports with different operational characteristics:
Benoa Port, Bali, operated by PT Pelindo Regional 3, representing a commercial and tourism-oriented port.Tanjung Batu Shore Base, Balikpapan, operated by Pertamina Transkontinental, representing an industrial and offshore logistics port.
Researchers gathered information through:
- In-depth interviews with port managers, government officials, and maritime experts.
- Surveys involving 60 stakeholders from the two ports.
- Direct field observations.
- Analysis of government reports, sustainability documents, and international Green Port literature.
The study examined three interconnected dimensions:
- Sustainable infrastructure.
- Operational efficiency and digitalization.
- Collaborative governance.
The researchers then tested the relationships among these dimensions using statistical modeling and expert validation.
Key Findings
The study found that Green Port implementation in Indonesia remains in a transitional stage. While progress is evident, sustainability initiatives are still fragmented and have not yet evolved into a standardized national system.
Sustainable Infrastructure Improves Performance
Both Benoa Port and Tanjung Batu Shore Base have introduced environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Examples include:
- Energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Solar panel installations.
- Waste segregation facilities.
- Wastewater treatment systems.
- Oil spill response infrastructure.
Tanjung Batu demonstrated stronger performance in environmental management, particularly through its Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) framework.
The analysis found a strong positive relationship between sustainable infrastructure and operational efficiency. Statistical testing showed a path coefficient of 0.62, indicating that investments in green infrastructure directly improve port performance and resource utilization.
Digitalization Supports Efficiency
Digital transformation emerged as another critical factor.
Benoa Port has implemented the national INAPORTNET system for electronic documentation and vessel clearance. However, some manual procedures remain in place.
Tanjung Batu Shore Base has advanced further in internal digital monitoring, using real-time tracking systems for offshore logistics operations.
Survey respondents consistently reported that digital technologies help reduce processing times, improve transparency, and increase operational effectiveness.
Governance Remains a Challenge
Governance was identified as the most complex dimension.
Benoa Port involves multiple stakeholders, including local government agencies, Pelindo, tourism operators, and environmental authorities. While this creates opportunities for collaboration, overlapping regulations often complicate decision-making.
Tanjung Batu benefits from a more centralized governance structure but still faces limitations in engaging local communities and external stakeholders.
Researchers found that operational efficiency positively influences governance quality, with a statistical coefficient of 0.55, indicating that better-performing operations contribute to greater transparency and stakeholder trust.
Green Port Success Depends on Integration
One of the study’s most important conclusions is that infrastructure, operations, and governance cannot function effectively in isolation.
The researchers found that:
- Sustainable infrastructure improves operational efficiency.
- Efficient operations strengthen governance quality.
- Strong governance supports long-term sustainability outcomes.
This interconnected relationship forms the foundation of the proposed Integrative Green Port Model.
Implications for Policy and Industry
The study provides a practical roadmap for Indonesian policymakers and port operators.
Researchers recommend establishing a national Green Port framework that includes:
- Standardized sustainability indicators.
- Environmental performance benchmarks.
- National compliance mechanisms.
- Greater integration of digital systems across agencies.
- Expanded investment in renewable energy and electrification.
The model could also support Indonesia’s broader maritime strategy by reducing logistics costs, improving port competitiveness, and accelerating progress toward climate goals.
For businesses, more efficient and sustainable ports could lower transportation costs, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen international trade connections.
For coastal communities, better governance and environmental management may help reduce pollution and improve local quality of life.
Expert Insight
According to Taufik Akbar, Dedi Purwana, and Herlitah of Universitas Negeri Jakarta, sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, and collaborative governance must work together as mutually reinforcing pillars of modern port management. Their findings show that Green Port development is not simply an environmental initiative but a comprehensive strategy for creating efficient, transparent, and globally competitive maritime infrastructure.
The researchers conclude that Indonesia needs a unified national approach to Green Port implementation if it is to fully realize the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable maritime development.
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