A new direct shipping service has been launched between Batam, Indonesia, and Yangpu Port in China, aiming to strengthen maritime connectivity and foster trade between the two nations.
COSCO Shipping Lines Indonesia initiated this service on August 21, 2025. Wang Wei, Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Indonesia, highlighted the route's strategic importance, stating it will reduce transit times and logistics costs for businesses trading between China, Indonesia, and the wider Southeast Asian region. The service includes stops in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and extends from Yangpu to connect with major shipping lanes to the Americas, creating a vital link from Indonesia to the Americas.
This development occurs amidst deepening economic ties between China and Indonesia, with China being Indonesia's largest trading partner and a significant investor. Their collaboration is expanding into new energy, manufacturing, and the digital economy sectors.
Batam Port has seen substantial infrastructure upgrades, including the implementation of advanced equipment like ship-to-shore and gantry cranes, aligning its operations with international standards. In 2024, the port's container throughput reached approximately 670,000 TEUs, an 8% increase from the previous year. Batu Ampar Port, a part of Batam, also experienced growth, with its container traffic rising by 7% in the first half of 2024, handling 313,000 TEUs. The introduction of ship-to-shore cranes at Batu Ampar has significantly improved efficiency and reduced vessel docking times.
Yangpu Port in China's Hainan province is also solidifying its position as an international shipping hub, leveraging its strategic location and the supportive policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port. By the end of 2023, Yangpu Port had established 43 domestic and international trade routes, with a focus on expanding its network within Southeast Asia and along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The port has also been recognized as a "four-star" green port for its sustainable practices.
The inauguration of this direct route signifies a new phase in China-Indonesia cooperation, underscoring a mutual commitment to enhancing regional economic integration and fortifying supply chains across the Indo-Pacific. This initiative is expected to position Indonesia more centrally in global trade flows, reducing reliance on intermediate transshipment hubs and boosting its competitiveness in the international maritime sector.