The Aceh Economic Council (DEA) has identified Krueng Geukuh Port in Lhokseumawe as a promising candidate for a regional Crude Palm Oil (CPO) export hub. Following a recent site visit, DEA Secretary-General Ismail Rasyid and member Hasballah M. Thaib (Rocky) noted the port's readiness, citing operational activity including a 10,000-ton kernel shipment to Japan and an active domestic cargo vessel. However, the port has remained stagnant due to limited planning and lack of structured development programs.
Rocky emphasized the port’s potential to support Aceh’s CPO industry, stating only minor improvements are required. While investment will be needed to expand CPO storage capacity, interest from private sector investors is strong. DEA plans to deliver a more comprehensive report and formal recommendations to the Governor of Aceh, aiming to ensure the port’s development yields broader economic benefits including increased employment, regional revenue (PAD), and logistics efficiency.
