Shippers have complained that they are feeling its immediate effects as their vessels get stuck and they have seen demurrage, as well as other extra fees kick in, claiming that their losses have already reached about IDR2.1trn ($214m).
A total of 588 companies, which operate a combined fleet of 18,000 vehicles and employ a total of 54,000 workers, reportedly took part in Monday’s strike. which brought Indonesia's main port of Tanjung Priok practically to a standstill.
The companies apparently launched the strike in protest against state-run port operator Pelindo’s alleged attempt to take over their businesses through some of its subsidiaries.
The Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI), the Indonesian Ship Owners Association and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) all allegedly supported the strike.
The strike took place from 6 am through 6 pm on Monday, and will continue if Pelindo fails to cater to protesters’ demands to stay away from the logistics and transportation businesses at ports. Another 10 other ports managed by Pelindo also suffered from strikes.
But Pelindo played down claims that activities at its ports came to a standstill on Monday, claiming that activities kept running normally with Tanjung Priok serving about 20 vessels, the usual level for Mondays.
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