Located on the northern coast of Surabaya, East Java, Tanjung Mas Harbour is one of Indonesia's busiest and most significant ports. Serving as a vital trade and transportation hub, it has played a central role in the country’s maritime industry for centuries. Tanjung Mas is more than just a port; it represents the economic pulse of Surabaya and, by extension, a gateway for international trade, tourism, and logistics in the region.

In this article, we will explore the history, importance, and modern developments of Tanjung Mas Harbour, while also highlighting its role in Surabaya’s broader economic landscape, its relevance to tourists, and its future prospects.

A Historical Overview of Tanjung Mas Harbour

tanjung mas habour has deep historical roots, with its importance growing steadily since it was first established. The strategic location of Surabaya, along the northern coast of Java, made it an ideal site for a harbor long before it became the bustling commercial center it is today.

Early Beginnings

Historically, the area around Tanjung Mas was used as a fishing port and a natural harbor for local vessels. During the Majapahit Kingdom (13th to 15th century), Surabaya began to emerge as an important port for trade within the archipelago and beyond, serving as a focal point for maritime exchanges. In the 16th century, during the Sultanate of Mataram, the port’s strategic significance was further cemented, with the harbor supporting both local and international trade, including spices, textiles, and exotic goods.

When the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in the 17th century, Surabaya's role as a key trading port grew even further. The Dutch made improvements to the harbor, helping establish Surabaya as a central node in the global spice trade, connecting Southeast Asia with Europe and other parts of Asia. Over the centuries, Tanjung Mas developed into a major hub for both the export of Indonesian goods and the import of foreign commodities.

Post-Independence Growth

Following Indonesia’s independence in 1945, Surabaya, and by extension, Tanjung Mas Harbour, became even more integral to the nation's economy. As one of the country’s leading ports, it handled an increasing volume of both export and import goods, facilitating the growth of industries in East Java and beyond. The harbor has undergone multiple upgrades to increase its capacity, particularly with the advent of containerization in the late 20th century.

Tanjung Mas Harbour remains a critical port for Indonesia today, handling various types of cargo, including agricultural products, oil, coal, electronics, and consumer goods. It also serves as a key port for passenger ships traveling to nearby islands, particularly Bali, Lombok, and other parts of eastern Indonesia.

Importance of Tanjung Mas Harbour Today

Tanjung Mas is not only a vital logistical node but also a symbol of Surabaya’s commercial success. Its position as a port allows it to play an essential role in the economy of Surabaya, East Java, and the wider Indonesian archipelago. The harbor facilitates both international trade and domestic transport, ensuring that goods flow in and out of Indonesia’s manufacturing hubs.

Trade and Industry

As one of Indonesia’s largest cargo ports, Tanjung Mas handles millions of tons of goods annually. The harbor is equipped with multiple terminals designed to handle a wide range of cargo, including bulk commodities (such as coal and palm oil), containerized goods, liquids, and general cargo.

Tanjung Mas is also a significant port for Indonesia’s oil and gas industry, with special terminals for the export of crude oil and the import of refined petroleum products. Additionally, the harbor is vital for the agricultural export industry, as East Java is a key region for the production of rice, corn, and various fruits and vegetables. The ability to efficiently transport these products to international markets is crucial for the livelihoods of farmers in the region and for Indonesia’s economic growth.

The modernization and expansion of the harbor in recent decades have enabled it to accommodate larger vessels, enhancing its capacity for both domestic and international trade. It is directly connected to Surabaya's industrial zones, facilitating the easy transport of goods between the port and nearby factories, warehouses, and distribution centers.

Passenger and Ferry Services

Tanjung Mas Harbour also plays a significant role in Indonesia’s domestic passenger transport system. The harbor serves as the departure point for ferries traveling between Surabaya and the nearby islands, particularly to Bali, Lombok, and the eastern provinces. Ferries departing from Tanjung Mas help connect Surabaya to other key cities and regions in the eastern part of Indonesia, making the harbor an important point for domestic tourism and inter-island travel.

For tourists, taking a ferry from Tanjung Mas to Bali or Lombok provides a unique opportunity to experience the maritime landscapes of Indonesia while traveling in a relaxed, scenic manner. The passenger services at Tanjung Mas are often favored by local travelers due to their affordability and relatively easy access compared to air travel.

Economic Impact on Surabaya and East Java

The port is directly tied to the economic well-being of Surabaya and East Java, contributing significantly to both regional and national GDP. As Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya depends heavily on its port for employment, infrastructure, and economic growth. Thousands of people are employed in the port and its surrounding areas, working in logistics, warehousing, shipping, administration, and maintenance.

The flow of goods through tanjung mas habour has also spurred the development of other sectors, including construction, real estate, and tourism. As the city continues to modernize and expand its infrastructure, Tanjung Mas remains an integral part of Surabaya’s growth and its ability to serve as a regional hub for both trade and industry.

Tanjung Mas Harbour: Modernization and Future Prospects

In recent years, Tanjung Mas Harbour has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its capacity and efficiency. The modernization efforts have focused on expanding container terminals, upgrading docking facilities, and improving overall infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of both domestic and international trade.

The development of Port of Surabaya New Container Terminal (SPB-NT) aims to position Tanjung Mas as one of the top ports in Southeast Asia. These upgrades will allow the port to handle larger container ships, increase its throughput capacity, and streamline operations. The expansion of logistics infrastructure around the harbor, including the improvement of roads, rail connections, and warehousing facilities, further supports its role as an economic engine.

Additionally, the harbor has seen increasing collaboration with international logistics companies to improve its connectivity to global markets, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. With the growing importance of digital infrastructure, Tanjung Mas is also working towards incorporating smart port technologies, such as automated cranes, port management systems, and real-time tracking for cargo movement.

As Surabaya's population grows and its industries expand, the role of Tanjung Mas in regional and national development is poised to continue evolving. There are ongoing efforts to integrate the port with Southeast Asia’s growing trade network, tapping into new opportunities for regional commerce. This includes expanding ferry services to neighboring countries, enhancing facilities for cruise tourism, and capitalizing on the growing demand for e-commerce in Indonesia and beyond.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage around Tanjung Mas

While Tanjung Mas is primarily a commercial and industrial hub, it is located within a short distance from Surabaya’s popular tourist attractions. The proximity to key landmarks such as Kota Lama (Old Town), Tugu Pahlawan, Monumen Kapal Selam, and Surabaya Zoo makes the harbor a useful starting point for tourists exploring the city. The modern developments around the harbor also provide a scenic backdrop for waterfront leisure activities and dining experiences.

Moreover, tanjung mas habour  port and industrial areas often serve as gateways for tourists heading to the neighboring islands of Bali and Lombok, making Tanjung Mas a starting point for exploring the beauty of Indonesia's diverse islands.

Conclusion

Tanjung Mas Harbour is more than just a shipping port—it is a vital part of Surabaya’s economic, cultural, and historical landscape. From its colonial origins to its modern-day role as a bustling hub for trade, passenger transport, and logistics, Tanjung Mas continues to drive the city’s growth and prosperity. Whether you are visiting Surabaya for business, tourism, or cultural exploration, Tanjung Mas is a significant piece of the puzzle that makes the city and region what they are today. As the harbor continues to modernize and expand, its future looks even brighter, ensuring that it will remain a central pillar of Indonesia’s economy and a gateway to the world.