International logistics company DHL Express, part of Deutsche Post’s DHL Group, launched a service center and a gateway worth Rp 17 billion (US$1.26 million) to support its business operations in and out of Batam, Riau Islands, on Monday.
DHL Express decided to expand its business in Batam given its potential as the third-largest city in Sumatra, well known as an industrial area, an emerging transport hub, and part of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore golden triangle.
“This new investment could improve our network in Indonesia that consists of gateways in Balikpapan, Batam, Denpasar, Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya,” Sean Wall, executive vice president of network operations and aviation of DHL Express Asia-Pacific said.
The new facility has the capacity to handle 2.4 million kilograms of cargo and process up to 150,000 shipments per year. About 26 people work in the 972-square-meter facility, with three certified employees for handling dangerous goods.
The company claimed that the facility was launched at the right time because the government is considering whether to make Batam a special economic zone for companies that are involved in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
“With the potential of Batam being opened as a special economic zone for the aviation industry, DHL’s investment will be able to support the growth of the aviation industry in Indonesia,” Ahmad Mohamad, senior technical advisor of DHL Express Indonesia, said.