Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is advancing development of the integrated Palembang Baru Port in Tanjung Carat, Banyuasin district, South Sumatra, to improve logistics efficiency and support industrial growth.Vice Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Vice Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday that the project is part of the government’s strategy to strengthen integrated logistics infrastructure linked with industrial zones and transport networks.He attended the project launching ceremony on Thursday and said the port would not only serve as basic infrastructure but also address logistics efficiency challenges in South Sumatra.”The main issue is not resources, but the ability to commercialize and improve logistics efficiency. Tanjung Carat Port is a solution to increase trade capacity and improve competitiveness,” he said.He added that South Sumatra has abundant natural resources, including coal, oil and gas, and plantation commodities, but their potential has not been fully optimized due to limited efficient logistics infrastructure.”We are resource-rich, but without competitiveness, it means nothing. Ultimately, the public bears the impact. Infrastructure is key to increasing value-added,” he said.As an integrated port, Tanjung Carat is designed to connect with supporting infrastructure such as toll roads, railways, and industrial zones within a single development cluster.The area has also been proposed as a special economic zone (SEZ) based on downstream industrialization to attract more investment.”This consolidation is part of a national strategic project. It is planned to become a special economic zone for downstream industries, the first of its kind,” he said.Todotua said investment realization in South Sumatra reached Rp62.66 trillion in 2025, led by the manufacturing sector, particularly paper and printing, as well as mining and energy.He said the figures reflect an ongoing economic transformation toward higher value-added industries, which must be supported by efficient logistics systems.”The investment potential is already significant, but we must support it with efficient infrastructure to maximize value-added and improve competitiveness,” he said.The central government has pledged full support for the project, including land acquisition acceleration and integration of supporting infrastructure.“All support is in place. If we do not move quickly, we will lose momentum. Now it depends on our joint commitment to execute,” he said.