Increasing the Competitiveness of Pelindo IV Port Services in the Makassar Region

This study aims to examine the increase in competitiveness at Pelindo 4 Regional Makassar City. This study is a case study with a qualitative approach. This study is an exploratory case study type. The primary data source is Indonesian maritime operators, consisting of shipping companies (PP) using Pelindo III services, port operators (OP) in this case Pelindo III, freight forwarders (FF) using Pelindo III services, and academics. The methods for obtaining data are: survey, documentation, archives, interviews, observations. The Delphi method is a process of repeating surveys conducted on selected respondents regarding the competitive advantages of ports, including experts (key persons). Pelindo IV Makassar Regional plays a very important role in the logistics and sea transportation sector in the Eastern Indonesia region. Pelindo IV Makassar Regional manages various strategic ports that connect eastern Indonesia with other regions at home and abroad. The ports managed include Soekarno-Hatta Makassar Port, Makassar New Port, Paotere Port, Garongkong Port, Makassar Container Terminal (TPM). In addition to the ports above, Pelindo IV Regional 4 Makassar also manages other ports such as Ambon Port, Balikpapan Port, Parepare Port, and Ternate Port, all of which play an important role in supporting the flow of logistics and passengers in Eastern Indonesia. Pelindo 4 Regional Makassar has several advantages that make it an important entity in managing ports in Eastern Indonesia. The advantages of Pelindo 4 Regional Makassar are Its strategic position,  Modern and Complete Port Facilities Strong Infrastructure Support, Service Diversification,   Optimal Natural Resource Management, Guaranteed Security and Safety, Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility, and  Quality of Human Resources and Training. Although Pelindo 4 Regional Makassar has many advantages, there are several weaknesses or challenges that may be faced in its operations. The weaknesses that Pelindo 4 Regional Makassar may have are  Limited Infrastructure in Several Ports,  Congestion and Space Limitations at the Main Port,  Dependence on Sea Transportation, Lack of Diversification of Revenue Sources, Limited Human Resources in Several Areas, Environmental and Sustainability Issues, Dependence on Road Infrastructure and Land Transportation, Increased Competition from Other Ports, Impact of Policy and Regulation Changes, and Security and Threats from Terrorism or Crime.  Ports in Pelindo 4 Makassar Region generally do not compete closely with each other, because they are managed by one entity, namely PT Pelindo (Persero), which has now been integrated after the merger of Pelindo I-IV in 2021. As part of the subholdings Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (SPTP) and Pelindo Multi Terminal (SPMT), ports in Region 4 are more complementary than competitive. However, in the context of competing for the flow of goods, several ports in this region may experience moderate competition, especially in attracting ships and cargo from goods owners or shipping companies. However, in general, Pelindo 4 is trying to distribute the role of these ports to increase logistics efficiency in the eastern region, not to create unhealthy competition. If what is meant is competition with ports outside Pelindo (for example private ports or international ports), then the challenges can be more complex. In the Pelindo Regional 4 area, there are several Special Terminals (Tersus) and Terminals for Self-Interest (TUKS) managed by private companies and have the potential to become competitors in loading and unloading services, including: PT Vale Indonesia in Malili, South Sulawesi, PT Bosowa Bandar Indonesia in Garongkong, South Sulawesi, PT Letawa Astra Agro Lestari in Pasangkayu, Central Sulawesi, . PT Donggi Senoro LNG in Luwuk, North Sulawesi, PT Panca Amara Utama in Luwuk, North Sulawesi, PT Cargill Indonesia in Amurang, North Sulawesi, and PT Sulawesi Regas Satu in Amurang, North Sulawesi. To improve the competitiveness of Pelindo IV Regional Makassar City, strategies that need to be implemented include infrastructure and technology development, human resource development, service diversification, and strengthening relationships with stakeholders. In addition, environmentally friendly approaches and green innovations are also becoming increasingly important in today's era. By focusing on improving operational efficiency, capacity development, and maintaining sustainability, Pelindo IV Regional Makassar City can excel in global competition and remain relevant in the growing market.