Model of Intermodal Competition: A Case Study in East Java

As part of a national agenda to enhance logistics efficiency, the Indonesian government is expanding dry port infrastructure in East Java, emphasizing multimodal connectivity between industrial zones and seaports. Bangil, Pasuruan has been designated as a strategic dry port location, supported by the potential reactivation of Pasuruan Port and integration with the national railway network. This study aims to comprehensively determine the optimal transportation mode for container shipments from Bangil to Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya. While trucking remains the dominant mode, the emergence of rail and barge alternatives presents opportunities for more efficient and sustainable freight movement, particularly for hinterland industries. The methodology involves surveys around the Port of Tanjung Perak and secondary data collection, providing valuable insights for supply chain decision-making, regional logistics improvement, and the economic growth of East Java. Key indicators like cost, distance, speed, total time, loading/unloading time, overall time, and capacity for road, rail, and sea modes are considered. Results show that barge is the most cost-effective for 1 TEU containers (IDR 29,570/TEUs.km), followed by truck (IDR 36,791/TEUs.km) and train (IDR 63,810/TEUs.km). For 2 TEUs containers, truck remains optimal (IDR 46,099/TEUs.km). In terms of time efficiency, rail is fastest (2.14 h/TEUs.trip), followed by truck (2.31 h/TEUs.trip) and barge (6.92 h/TEUs.trip). These findings support strategic modal planning and provide actionable insights for advancing intermodal container logistics in Indonesia.