Albertus Laurensius Setyabudhi, Rosnani Ginting, Hermansyah, Meylia Vivi Putri, Amelia Rachmi Nasution, Okta Veza
Purpose: Indonesia’s archipelagic geography creates long lead times, high logistics costs, and persistent container dwelling time at major ports. This study develops and evaluates a port-handling model that supports cross-docking to reduce dwelling time and improve inter-island distribution performance. Research design, data and methodology: A multi-level framework is implemented as a discrete-event simulation of Batu Ampar Port (Batam) as a representative domestic container hub. The model integrates material, information, and financial flows and is parameterised using port operational data and national statistics. Scenario experiments compare a baseline storage-oriented system with cross-docking-oriented configurations under demand shocks, route delays, and supply disruptions, supported by expert review and variance-based output analysis. Results: Cross-docking-oriented handling reduces simulated dwelling time and total distribution lead time from major origin ports to surrounding islands while preserving realistic system behaviour. Key bottlenecks concentrate in job-order processing, truck arrivals, and outbound ferry capacity, particularly on routes to Natuna and Anambas. The model is robust to cost-parameter changes but sensitive to capacity and availability shocks. Conclusions: Port handling is a strategic lever in archipelagic logistics. Cross-docking supported by integrated information systems and targeted capacity upgrades on critical routes can improve efficiency and reliability and strengthen domestic maritime connectivity. © Copyright: The Author(s) This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Ibnu Sina, Indonesia; Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia; Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, Indonesia
