Analysis of Factors Influencing Container Shortage in Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta

TLDR

The pandemic has strained global maritime supply chains, causing slowdowns and delays that culminated in a container crisis and shortages at Indonesia’s busiest port, Tanjung Priok. This study seeks to identify the factors driving container shortages from strategic partners’ perspectives, assess their impact, and recommend suitable solutions. Using a qualitative descriptive design, the authors conducted purposive interviews with seven informants and employed Nvivo to visualize and analyze the data. Interviews revealed that congestion, lockdowns, trade and container imbalances, demand‑supply mismatches, and limited vessel space drive shortages, with lockdowns having a pronounced effect, disrupting exports, and container repositioning emerging as the most effective remedy.

Abstract

The pandemic has put pressure on global maritime supply chain activities resulting in slowdowns and delays. This is reflected in the container crisis, which has caused a shortage of containers at Indonesia's busiest port, Tanjung Priok Port. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to container shortages based on the perspectives of strategic partners who are considered a relevant source of information on the phenomenon. The study also seeks to determine the extent of the impact of container shortages and identify appropriate solutions. The study employs a qualitative, descriptive methodology and utilizes Nvivo software to provide a comprehensive visualization of the data. Seven informants were selected for this study using purposive sampling. The data collected through interviews revealed that the shortage of containers was caused by congestion, lockdowns, trade imbalances, container imbalances, demand and supply imbalances, and a shortage of vessel space. Based on the analysis, the lockdown has had a significant impact. The shortage of containers has disrupted export activities with the highest coverage level, and container repositioning is the most effective solution compared to others.