Improving Service Quality, Pelindo Supports Tourism Sector in Makassar

MAKASSAR, 10 January 2025 PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) as part of a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) that drives the national logistics sector is committed to continuously improving service quality, especially at Makassar Port and supporting the development of the tourism sector, especially in South Sulawesi.

This is evidenced by the preparation of various international standard facilities and services, ranging from dock security to optimal guide and tug services when receiving the visit of the Australian-flagged cruise ship, Coral Geographer, which docked at Makassar Port on Thursday, 9 January 2025. 

Pelindo is also working closely with local authorities to ensure the comfort and safety of foreign tourists brought by the cruise ship operated by Coral Expeditions during their stay in Makassar.

The visit of the international cruise ship, Coral Geographer, which is part of a cross-country tour, is one proof that Makassar Port is increasingly in demand as a world maritime tourism destination.

General Manager of Pelindo Regional 4 Makassar, Iwan Sjarifuddin said that the cruise ship visit was the result of a joint effort between Pelindo, the local government, and the tourism community in promoting tourism potential in South Sulawesi. 

‘We are very proud to receive the Coral Geographer's visit at Makassar Harbour. This is a momentum to strengthen Makassar's position as one of the gateways for maritime tourism in Eastern Indonesia,’ said Iwan.

Coral Geographer, which docked at Soekarno-Hatta Pier, carried 46 passengers who were foreign tourists from Australia, the United States and Switzerland. The tourists who arrived in the morning had the opportunity to visit various leading destinations in Makassar City, including Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, and a number of culinary tourism locations typical of South Sulawesi.

The arrival of the Coral Geographer, skippered by Ship Captain Andrew Robert Conigrave, was also coloured by a warm welcome by a number of young women who performed traditional dances that reflected the hospitality of South Sulawesi. The tourists were also welcomed with a variety of local culinary treats and regional handicrafts which are local cultural treasures by a number of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders in their respective tenants located at the Anging Mammiri Passenger Terminal.

Rahmat Riberu, from the ship agent PT Lestari Abadi Serasi, expressed his appreciation for the services provided by Pelindo and the warm welcome from the people of Makassar. 

‘Makassar is one of the favourite destinations in Indonesia. Good port facilities and the uniqueness of local culture are the main attractions for international tourists,’ he said.

Coral Geographer is a luxury cruise ship operated by an Australian shipping company. During its stay in Indonesia, the cruise ship travelling from Makassar to Darwin, Australia, will visit around 20 islands in Eastern Indonesia. 

Before docking at Makassar Harbour, the cruise ship visited Marabatuan Island, which is located in the administrative area of Pulau Sembilan District, Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan. Furthermore, in South Sulawesi, the tourists were taken to Bulukumba, then Palopo and continued to Tanajampea Island, which is located in Selayar Regency. 

With the increasingly frequent visits of international cruise ships, Pelindo is committed to continuously improving the quality of services, especially at the Port of Makassar and supporting the development of the tourism sector, especially in South Sulawesi.