New international terminal aims to attract tourism and investment while tightening border surveillance
The Gold Coast International Ferry Terminal in Batam has officially begun operations following its inauguration on April 14, 2025. The facility is expected to enhance economic activity and strengthen maritime connectivity with Malaysia and Singapore.
The terminal was inaugurated by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The terminal, located in Bengkong’s Golden City, currently offers routes to Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with services to Singapore underway.
AHY emphasized that Batam’s strategic maritime position makes sea connectivity vital for economic equality, investment attraction, and tourism growth. The Gold Coast terminal, he said, supports President Prabowo Subianto’s economic agenda by decentralizing infrastructure and targeting local employment for up to 2,000 people within two years.
Part of Kepri’s Expanding Network
Governor Ansar Ahmad highlighted that this terminal is the eighth international ferry port in the province and the fifth in Batam alone. With passenger traffic in Batam rising 48% year-on-year to 8.1 million in 2023, the terminal is expected to further elevate growth, particularly around the Bengkong area and among SMEs, cafes, and property sectors.
Security and Border Challenges
During the inauguration, General Listyo raised concern over trafficking activities shifting from unofficial routes to official ports. He cited reports of human and drug smuggling at regulated terminals like Gold Coast and called for increased monitoring. Immigration officials confirmed over 1,600 Indonesians were denied exit to Malaysia and Singapore in Q1 2025 under suspected illegal labor schemes.
Advanced Facilities and International Standards
The terminal is equipped with international-standard security systems (ISPS Code), CIQP facilities (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Port Health), and modern amenities including spacious waiting areas and ample vehicle parking. The infrastructure spans 20,000 m² with a 2,160 m² terminal building and is positioned within a designated tourism zone.
AHY stressed that the launch demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing Indonesia’s outer regions. He described the port as a “strategic maritime gateway,” reinforcing Batam’s role in regional trade while also serving as a showcase for equitable development beyond major metropolitan areas.
The Gold Coast Ferry Terminal’s opening marks a significant milestone for Batam, promising to boost tourism, drive local economic opportunities, and reinforce Singapore-Indonesia-Malaysia maritime corridors. However, rising concerns over human trafficking via official ports highlight the need for sustained vigilance and inter-agency collaboration to protect vulnerable populations while promoting borderless growth.
Sources: Posmetro (2025), Tempo (2025), CNN Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Gold Coast Ferry, Batam Terminal Launch, International Connectivity, Maritime Infrastructure, AHY Speech, TPPO Surveillance, Batam Malaysia Route, Singapore Ferry Access
