Ongoing Congestion at Semarang Port: March Land Transport May Face Further Restrictions
Publish Time: 2026-02-27 Origin: Site
Since late December 2025, Indonesia’s Semarang Port has been under heavy operational pressure due to a sharp surge in inbound cargo volumes. Congestion has not been fundamentally resolved, with yard utilization remaining overloaded for months.
Strict Port Controls Limit Early Container Entry
March Ramadan & Idul Fitri to Tighten Land Transport
In March 2026, Indonesia’s upcoming Idul Fitri holiday is expected to add new pressure. Under a government joint decree, heavy vehicles will be restricted from March 13 to 29 on toll roads and major routes.
The ban applies to tri‑axle and above heavy trucks, trailers, semi‑trailers, and vehicles carrying minerals or construction bulk cargo. Although designed to ensure safe holiday travel, the policy will cut truck capacity to and from Semarang Port, extend transit times, and likely increase inland transport costs.
Shippers Advised to Ship Early; Alternative Routes Carry Extra Costs
With land transport restrictions confirmed, local industry guidance urges shippers and carriers to complete deliveries before March 13 to avoid delays.
For cargo unable to move before the ban, some carriers offer alternative routing via Jakarta or Surabaya ports, though this involves extra OTAD (Overtime and Additional Destination) charges. Carriers including ONE and CMA CGM have introduced adjusted multimodal solutions.
Industry observers warn that Semarang Port will remain under pressure in the short term due to high yard usage, unstable vessel schedules, and upcoming land transport limits.