Indonesia Fresh Dates Importers — Verified Trade Data 2018

This page presents a comprehensive directory of 10 Indonesian importer companies of fresh and dried dates (kurma) verified with 2018 trade data. Each company profile includes full business address, phone number, email contact (where available), business activities description and company overview — covering Jakarta's main date-importing enterprises: PT. EXINDOKARSA AGUNG, PT. GEMILANG ABADI CAHAYA, PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA, PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA, PT. INDOFRESH, PT. SARANA GRIYA SEGAR, PT. MITRA SARANA PURNAMA, PT. SAHABAT MULIA JAYA LESTARI, PT. LUCKY MAJU JAYA and PT. TOTAL HARVEST CEMERLANG. The data is sourced from verified Bill of Lading (B/L) records and Indonesian customs statistics — essential intelligence for international exporters seeking to enter the Indonesian dates market, especially during the peak Ramadan season.

Update: 2018 · Source: Verified Bill of Lading (B/L) data — Indonesian customs · Page No: PNUM8073 · Region: Jakarta (DKI Jakarta)

Indonesia, with a population of over 260 million in 2018 (the world's 4th most populous nation) and a Muslim majority of approximately 87%, represents one of the world's largest import markets for fresh and dried dates (kurma). The consumption of dates is deeply embedded in Indonesian cultural and religious life — particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when date consumption peaks as the traditional food for breaking the fast (iftar). This page documents the 10 verified Indonesian importer companies of fresh dates based on 2018 trade data, providing exporters with actionable contact information and market insights to access this strategically important market.

• 1. Indonesia Fresh Dates Import Market Overview — 2018
• 2. HS Code Classification for Fresh/Dried Dates (HS 0804.51)
• 3. Directory of 10 Indonesian Fresh Dates Importers — Summary Table
• 4. PT. EXINDOKARSA AGUNG — Jakarta Timur
• 5. PT. GEMILANG ABADI CAHAYA — Tanjung Priok Jakarta
• 6. PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA — Sunda Kelapa Port Jakarta
• 7. PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA — Cengkareng Jakarta (Leading Importer)
• 8. PT. INDOFRESH — Ancol Pademangan Jakarta
• 9. PT. SARANA GRIYA SEGAR — Tanjung Priok Jakarta
• 10. PT. MITRA SARANA PURNAMA — Cimanggis Depok
• 11. PT. SAHABAT MULIA JAYA LESTARI — Roa Malaka Jakarta
• 12. PT. LUCKY MAJU JAYA — Tanjung Priok Jakarta
• 13. PT. TOTAL HARVEST CEMERLANG — Cilincing Jakarta
• 14. Geographic Distribution of Date Importers in Jakarta
• 15. Top Supplier Countries for Indonesian Dates Imports
• 16. Seasonality — Ramadan Peak and Import Cycle
• 17. Logistics & Ports of Entry — Tanjung Priok Dominance
• 18. Access Real-Time Indonesia Dates Import Data — TurkExim
• Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

1. Indonesia Fresh Dates Import Market Overview — 2018

Indonesia is one of the world's largest import markets for fresh and dried dates (kurma) due to a combination of factors: (1) a population of over 260 million (in 2018) — the world's 4th largest; (2) the world's largest Muslim population (87% of citizens, approximately 227 million Muslims); (3) deep religious and cultural significance of dates during Ramadan, when consumption traditionally peaks as the food for iftar (breaking the fast); (4) limited domestic production capacity — Indonesian climate (tropical) is not ideal for date palm cultivation, which requires arid/semi-arid conditions; (5) rising middle-class disposable incomes driving demand for premium date varieties (Ajwa, Sukari, Medjool, Piarom, Deglet Nour).

According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik) and trade intelligence data, Indonesia imported approximately 120,000-150,000 metric tons of fresh and dried dates in 2018, with an estimated customs value of USD 150-180 million. The volume places Indonesia among the top 10 global importers of dates by quantity — alongside India, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Turkey and Malaysia. Indonesian dates imports have grown steadily over the past decade, driven by population growth, urbanization, rising Ramadan-related demand and the expansion of modern retail (supermarkets, hypermarkets, online marketplaces) that make imported dates more accessible to middle-class consumers nationwide.

The Indonesian dates market is segmented into three primary categories: (1) Premium gift-pack dates — Ajwa (Saudi Arabia), Medjool (Israel/Jordan/USA), and high-grade Sukari (Saudi Arabia) — sold in luxury packaging at IDR 100,000-500,000/kg (USD 7-35/kg) during Ramadan; (2) Mid-range household dates — Sukari standard grade, Deglet Nour (Tunisia/Algeria), Zahidi (Iraq/UAE) — sold at IDR 40,000-90,000/kg (USD 2.80-6.30/kg); (3) Mass-market economy dates — typically imported from Egypt (Siwi), Iran (Piarom/Khassab) and Pakistan — sold loose at IDR 20,000-35,000/kg (USD 1.40-2.50/kg) in traditional markets (pasar). This three-tier segmentation reflects the wide income range of Indonesian consumers and the cultural importance of dates across all social classes.

2. HS Code Classification for Fresh/Dried Dates (HS 0804.51)

In the international Harmonized System (HS), fresh and dried dates (kurma) are classified under Heading 0804 — Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or dried. Specifically, dates are covered by subheading HS 0804.51 at the 6-digit international level, which is then further subdivided in the Indonesian national tariff (BTKI — Buku Tarif Kepabeanan Indonesia) into 8-digit and 10-digit codes that distinguish between fresh and dried variants, organic certification, and end-use categories. The following table summarizes the main HS codes used in Indonesian customs declarations for fresh and dried dates imports:

Indonesia applies a general MFN import duty of 5% on fresh and dried dates, which is competitive compared to other Southeast Asian markets (Malaysia applies 0% under AFTA-CEPT for ASEAN origin, but maintains 5-10% on non-ASEAN origin; Philippines applies 7%; Thailand applies 30% within quota and 50% over quota). Imports from ASEAN member states under the ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement) framework enjoy duty-free access; imports from Pakistan under the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA) receive reduced duties; imports from China under the ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Area) receive preferential rates. All imports are also subject to PPN (Pajak Pertambahan Nilai — Value Added Tax) of 10% and a small PPH (Pajak Penghasilan — income tax on imports) of 0.5% typically collected at customs clearance.

3. Directory of 10 Indonesian Fresh Dates Importers — Summary Table

The following table presents the 10 verified Indonesian importer companies of fresh and dried dates with their key identifying information. Each company is listed with its legal name, business location (district/kelurahan of Jakarta), phone contact (where available), email contact (where available), and brief business activities description. Detailed company profiles for each importer are provided in the subsequent sections (4-13).

4. PT. EXINDOKARSA AGUNG — Jakarta Timur

PT. EXINDOKARSA AGUNG is an Indonesian trading company listed as an importer of fresh dates (kurma) in Indonesia, with its operational address in Cipinang Besar Utara, Jakarta Timur (East Jakarta). The company's location in East Jakarta places it strategically close to the Cipinang Wholesale Market (Pasar Induk Cipinang), which is Indonesia's largest fresh produce wholesale hub and the primary distribution point for fresh fruits entering the Jakarta market. Importers operating near Cipinang benefit from immediate access to the wholesale distribution network that supplies fresh produce retailers across Greater Jakarta and beyond.

The email contact exindo@plasa.com uses the legacy plasa.com domain — historically associated with Telkom Indonesia's Plasa.com e-commerce platform (later rebranded as blibli.com / Telkom's digital ventures), which suggests the company has been operating in the Indonesian trade sector for a considerable period. The use of two phone numbers (8191908 and 8517193) suggests active multi-line operations, allowing the company to handle simultaneous commercial inquiries from suppliers and customers. For international dates exporters targeting the East Jakarta wholesale produce corridor, PT. EXINDOKARSA AGUNG represents a direct point of entry.

5. PT. GEMILANG ABADI CAHAYA — Tanjung Priok Jakarta

PT. GEMILANG ABADI CAHAYA is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates identified through 2018 trade records, with its operational base in the Enggano Raya commercial complex (Komp. Ruko Enggano) in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. The company's location in Tanjung Priok is highly strategic — this district surrounds the Port of Tanjung Priok (Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok), Indonesia's busiest seaport and the primary gateway for international containerized cargo entering the country. Companies located in commercial complexes near Tanjung Priok typically serve as freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers that handle the full importation process from arrival at the port to inland distribution.

The commercial complex "Ruko Enggano" (Ruko = Rumah Toko = shop-house, a typical Indonesian mixed-use commercial property) hosts multiple importers and trading companies — Block C/3 No.15 specifically identifies the unit within the complex. The block location indicates that PT. GEMILANG ABADI CAHAYA is one of several trading firms operating in this complex, sharing infrastructure such as warehousing, security, and proximity to the Tanjung Priok customs clearance zone. Companies without published phone/email contact information in trade directories typically prefer to be contacted through direct business introductions or via trade associations — international suppliers may need to engage Indonesian commercial representatives to initiate contact.

6. PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA — Sunda Kelapa Port Jakarta

PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates operating from a strategic address at Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa (Sunda Kelapa Port), Ancol Pademangan, Jakarta Utara. Sunda Kelapa is the historic old port of Jakarta, located in the Pademangan subdistrict of North Jakarta, near the Ancol entertainment district. Although Sunda Kelapa no longer handles large containerized cargo (which is processed at the modern Port of Tanjung Priok a few kilometers north), it remains a significant port for traditional inter-island pinisi schooners and for smaller cargo shipments, especially for traditional fresh produce distribution.

The provision of two consecutive phone numbers (6908690 and 6908689 — sequential numbers, only the last digit different) indicates a multi-line office setup typical of an active trading company. The company name "Laris Manis Utama" combines three Indonesian words: "Laris" (selling well / popular), "Manis" (sweet) — appropriate for a dates importer since dates are inherently sweet — and "Utama" (primary / main). The choice of address at Sunda Kelapa Port, alongside JL. Beringin No.1, suggests the company maintains direct operational presence at a working port, likely engaging in inter-island distribution of dates from Jakarta to other Indonesian ports (Surabaya, Semarang, Makassar, Medan) via traditional sea transport.

7. PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA — Cengkareng Jakarta (Leading Importer)

PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA is the most profiled and established importer in this directory of Indonesian fresh dates importers. Established in 1989, the company has grown into a prominent Indonesian trading enterprise specializing in fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. With over 30 years of trading experience, PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya has built a comprehensive national distribution network covering all major Indonesian islands — Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, and Papua — making it one of the most capable importers for international suppliers seeking nationwide Indonesian market penetration.

Company Overview & Capabilities: PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya operates across four main product lines:

• Fresh Produce: A wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced globally — including dates (kurma) from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Tunisia, alongside apples, oranges, grapes, kiwifruit and other imported fresh produce.
• Dairy Products: Distribution of premium dairy brands — including Anchor Food Professionals (New Zealand origin — Fonterra's food service brand for cream, butter, cheese and milk powder for HORECA sector).
• Frozen Foods: Distribution of McCain fries and frozen potato products — McCain Foods (Canada) is the world's largest producer of frozen potato products; PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya serves as McCain's national food service distributor for Indonesia, supplying the major QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains, hotels and catering companies.
• Processed Meats: Distribution of premium sausages and sliced meat under the SONIA brand — a recognized name in the Indonesian food service sector for processed meat products.

Distribution Network: PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya has built an extensive distribution network across Indonesia through its logistics subsidiary PT. Mulia Tangguh Persada, which operates a fleet of over 300 vehicles — including refrigerated trucks for cold-chain logistics. This nationwide distribution capability is exceptional in the Indonesian fresh produce sector and gives the company a major competitive advantage in moving imported products (including fresh dates) from port of entry to last-mile retail locations across the Indonesian archipelago. The refrigerated fleet is particularly relevant for fresh (not dried) dates imports, which require temperature-controlled logistics to maintain quality during the sea journey and inland distribution.

The location in Kapuk, Cengkareng (West Jakarta) places PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) — Indonesia's primary international airport, located in Cengkareng, Tangerang. This proximity enables efficient handling of air-freighted imports (premium fresh dates that require rapid transport, such as Medjool dates from USA/Israel or premium Ajwa from Saudi Arabia during Ramadan peak). For international dates exporters, PT. Mulia Raya Agrijaya offers a turnkey solution — import clearance, cold-chain logistics, national distribution, and established retail and HORECA customer relationships.

8. PT. INDOFRESH — Ancol Pademangan Jakarta

PT. INDOFRESH is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates listed in 2018 trade records, with its business address in Ancol Barat, Pademangan, Jakarta Utara. The company's location in the Ancol Pademangan area places it in close geographic proximity to PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA (also in Pademangan/Ancol) and near the historic Sunda Kelapa port — this cluster of fresh produce importers in the Pademangan/Ancol district reflects the area's role as a hub for fresh fruit importers and distributors serving the greater Jakarta market.

The company name "PT. INDOFRESH" explicitly signals its focus on fresh produce — combining "Indo" (Indonesia) with "Fresh" — indicating that the company's primary business activity is the import and distribution of fresh fruits and produce, of which fresh dates are one product line. The address on JL. Parang Tritis Raya (named after the famous Parang Tritis beach in Yogyakarta) is in a residential-commercial mixed zone typical of North Jakarta, where many small-to-medium fresh produce trading companies operate from converted residential properties or shop-houses. The Ancol Barat location also places PT. INDOFRESH within close reach of the modern Tanjung Priok container port — the primary Indonesian gateway for international fresh fruit imports.

9. PT. SARANA GRIYA SEGAR — Tanjung Priok Jakarta

PT. SARANA GRIYA SEGAR is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates operating from the Agung Niaga commercial complex, Block G.7A Kav. No.10-11, Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara. The location in Tanjung Priok — directly adjacent to Indonesia's primary seaport — confirms the company's focus on import operations that require close coordination with port logistics, customs clearance and container handling. Companies operating in Tanjung Priok commercial complexes benefit from being within kilometers of the port gates, which is essential for fresh produce imports requiring rapid customs clearance and cold-chain transfer.

The company name "Sarana Griya Segar" combines three Indonesian terms: "Sarana" (means/facility), "Griya" (house/home), and "Segar" (fresh) — together meaning "House of Fresh Produce" or "Fresh Produce Facility," which clearly identifies the company's focus on the fresh produce sector. The Agung Niaga commercial complex (one of Tanjung Priok's main commercial property developments) hosts numerous importers and trading companies — Block G.7A specifically designates the unit within the complex. The presence of a single phone number (65831252) and the inclusion of the postal code 14350 (the Tanjung Priok ZIP code) suggests a well-established but mid-sized importer focused on Tanjung Priok port operations.

10. PT. MITRA SARANA PURNAMA — Cimanggis Depok

PT. MITRA SARANA PURNAMA is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates operating from Cimanggis, Kota Depok — a city in West Java located within the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area (Jabodetabek). The company's address on JL. Raya Jakarta Bogor KM 31 (the main Jakarta-Bogor highway, kilometer 31 from Jakarta center) places it strategically on the main southern transportation corridor connecting Jakarta to Bogor — a key commercial axis for distributing fresh produce from the import ports of Jakarta to the inland markets of West Java (Bogor, Bandung, Sukabumi, Cianjur).

The company name "Mitra Sarana Purnama" translates to "Fulfillment / Complete (Purnama) Means (Sarana) Partner (Mitra)" — suggesting the company presents itself as a comprehensive / full-service partner. The location in Cimanggis (Depok) is distinct from the Jakarta-city importers listed in this directory — Cimanggis is part of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area but outside DKI Jakarta proper, located in West Java (Jawa Barat). Companies based in Cimanggis typically serve the southern Greater Jakarta market and the West Java hinterland — a region with over 30 million consumers including the major cities of Depok, Bogor, Bekasi, and the metropolitan sprawl extending to Bandung. Two phone numbers provided (87706252 and 8710180) suggest an active multi-line commercial operation.

11. PT. SAHABAT MULIA JAYA LESTARI — Roa Malaka Jakarta

PT. SAHABAT MULIA JAYA LESTARI is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates with its business address in Roa Malaka, Kecamatan Tambora, Jakarta Barat (West Jakarta). The Roa Malaka area in Tambora subdistrict is part of the historic Glodok / Pinangsia commercial district — Jakarta's traditional Chinatown and one of the city's oldest trading hubs. This area has historically been a center for imported food distribution, with strong networks of importers, wholesalers and distributors handling a wide range of food products from China, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The company name "Sahabat Mulia Jaya Lestari" combines four Indonesian words: "Sahabat" (Friend), "Mulia" (Noble/Honorable), "Jaya" (Prosperous), and "Lestari" (Sustainable/Eternal) — together suggesting a company philosophy centered on building "noble, prosperous, and sustainable friendships." The address format includes RT (Rukun Tetangga — neighborhood unit) 001/002, which is the lowest level of Indonesian administrative organization — providing very granular location detail. The Roa Malaka location connects this importer to the traditional trade channels (catering to the ethnic Chinese and broader Middle Eastern / Muslim trade networks) that flow through Jakarta's old commercial quarter, particularly relevant for dates imports during Ramadan when the Roa Malaka / Glodok area sees heavy activity.

12. PT. LUCKY MAJU JAYA — Tanjung Priok Jakarta

PT. LUCKY MAJU JAYA is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates operating from the Pergudangan (warehouse complex) Caraka Buana, Block 1L, in Tanjung Priok. The company's warehouse location in the Caraka Buana industrial estate — directly adjacent to the Port of Tanjung Priok — places it in the heart of Indonesia's primary import-handling zone. Companies operating in warehouse complexes (Pergudangan) near Tanjung Priok typically handle bulk container unloading, sorting, repackaging and redistribution to wholesale customers.

The address on JL. RE Martadinata (named after R.E. Martadinata, a former Indonesian Navy chief instrumental in modernizing the Indonesian Navy in the 1960s) is a major commercial street in Tanjung Priok that connects the port area to the surrounding commercial zones. The Pergudangan Caraka Buana warehouse complex is one of several major warehousing estates in the Tanjung Priok area, designed specifically for cargo handling and storage of imported goods pending customs clearance or onward distribution. Block 1L identifies the specific warehouse unit within the complex. The company name "Lucky Maju Jaya" combines three terms suggesting prosperity — "Lucky" (English loanword), "Maju" (advance/forward), and "Jaya" (prosperous) — a common naming pattern among Indonesian trading companies seeking auspicious associations.

13. PT. TOTAL HARVEST CEMERLANG — Cilincing Jakarta

PT. TOTAL HARVEST CEMERLANG is an Indonesian importer of fresh dates operating from Semper Barat, Cilincing, North Jakarta. The Cilincing subdistrict is located in the northeastern part of Jakarta along the Java Sea coast, between the major port areas of Tanjung Priok (to the west) and the planned new port of Kalibaru (to the east). The Cilincing area has historically been a fishing and maritime trade area, and in recent years has seen increasing industrial and warehouse development as the Port of Tanjung Priok has expanded its influence along the coast.

The company name "Total Harvest Cemerlang" combines the English word "Total" with "Harvest" (referencing the agricultural/harvest origins of dates) and the Indonesian word "Cemerlang" (brilliant/shining) — together suggesting the company's positioning as a comprehensive (total) handler of harvest products with a brilliant (premium) brand identity. The provision of two non-consecutive phone numbers (4409888 and 44834333) suggests an active multi-line commercial operation. The address on JL. Raya Cacing (named after the local Cacing area, "cacing" meaning earthworm in Indonesian — a geographic naming common in older Jakarta districts) with RT 012/RW 010 granular location detail indicates a well-established local operation. Cilincing is strategically positioned for companies needing access to both the Tanjung Priok container port area and the planned Kalibaru new port expansion (a major Indonesian infrastructure project that adds 7 new container terminals to North Jakarta's port capacity).

14. Geographic Distribution of Date Importers in Jakarta

A notable characteristic of the 10 verified Indonesian fresh dates importers listed in this directory is their complete concentration in the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area (DKI Jakarta + surrounding West Java cities). None of the verified 2018 importers are based in other major Indonesian cities such as Surabaya, Medan, Semarang, Makassar or Bandung — even though these cities also have significant dates consumption. This concentration pattern reflects three underlying factors: (1) Tanjung Priok port dominance — over 70% of Indonesian containerized imports (including dates) enter through Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, making it the most efficient port of entry; (2) Wholesale market concentration — Jakarta hosts the largest wholesale produce markets (Pasar Induk Cipinang in East Jakarta, Tanjung Priok wholesale district in North Jakarta), making Jakarta the natural distribution hub; (3) Importer consolidation — Indonesian import trade is dominated by companies based in Jakarta that handle nationwide distribution through their own logistics networks (as exemplified by PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA's 300+ vehicle fleet).

This geographic pattern reveals three sub-clusters of date importers in Jakarta: (1) North Jakarta port cluster (Tanjung Priok + Pademangan + Cilincing) — companies handling primary port clearance and cold-chain logistics (6 of 10 importers); (2) East Jakarta wholesale cluster (Cipinang Besar Utara) — companies positioned near the wholesale produce market for rapid distribution; (3) West Jakarta airport/traditional trade cluster (Cengkareng + Roa Malaka) — companies handling both air-freighted premium imports (Cengkareng) and traditional trade flows (Roa Malaka). The single Cimanggis (Depok) company serves the southern Greater Jakarta / West Java inland market.

15. Top Supplier Countries for Indonesian Dates Imports

Indonesia's fresh and dried dates imports are sourced from a relatively concentrated group of supplier countries — primarily Middle Eastern and North African nations with established date palm cultivation industries. The top supplier countries for Indonesian dates imports in 2018 reflect both the religious significance of certain origins (Saudi Arabia — origin of Ajwa dates favored by Muslims) and the cost-competitive mass-market positioning of Egyptian, Iranian and Tunisian suppliers:

* Imports of Israeli-origin dates to Indonesia are politically sensitive and typically occur via European or third-country re-export — direct Israel-origin shipments are subject to boycott regulations in Indonesia.

The Saudi Arabian dominance in Indonesian dates imports reflects both religious and commercial factors: Saudi Arabia is the home of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which Indonesian pilgrims visit during Hajj and Umrah — creating strong cultural affinity for Saudi-origin dates (especially Ajwa from Medina). The Ajwa date variety, in particular, holds special religious significance as it is mentioned in Islamic hadiths as a recommended food for healing. Egypt's strong position in the mass-market economy segment is driven by its status as the world's largest date producer by quantity (over 1.5 million metric tons annually), enabling competitive pricing for the Indonesian economy segment via the Siwi variety. Iran's mid-range dominance comes from Piarom and Zahedi varieties, which offer good quality at reasonable prices. Tunisia's premium positioning via the Deglet Nour variety (often called the "Queen of Dates") competes in the premium retail-pack segment with Saudi Ajwa.

16. Seasonality — Ramadan Peak and Import Cycle

The Indonesian dates import cycle is highly seasonal, with a pronounced peak during the two-to-three months preceding the holy month of Ramadan (which shifts earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar due to the Islamic lunar calendar being approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year). In 2018, Ramadan was observed from approximately May 16 to June 14, meaning the import peak occurred during March, April and early May 2018. Importers typically begin securing shipment contracts 3-4 months in advance (December-February) and place peak shipping orders in March-April to ensure containers arrive at Tanjung Priok with sufficient lead time for customs clearance, inland distribution and Ramadan retail stocking.

The Ramadan-driven seasonality creates significant working capital and warehousing challenges for the listed importer companies: they must commit to large inventory purchases 3-6 months in advance of the peak selling season, store the inventory in temperature-controlled warehouses (especially for fresh / semi-dry dates like Sukari and Mozafati which have shorter shelf lives), and complete distribution by mid-May. Any import delays (port congestion at Tanjung Priok, customs clearance backlogs, Ramadan-period customs hours reductions) can result in lost sales — making logistics planning critical. Companies with stronger cold-chain infrastructure (like PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA with its 300+ vehicle fleet including refrigerated trucks) are better positioned to manage the Ramadan peak cycle.

17. Logistics & Ports of Entry — Tanjung Priok Dominance

The Indonesian dates import logistics landscape is dominated by a single primary port of entry: Tanjung Priok Port (Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok) in North Jakarta. Operated by IPC (Indonesia Port Corporation / Pelindo II), Tanjung Priok handles approximately 70% of Indonesian containerized international cargo — making it by far the most important gateway for dates imports. The port's dominance is reinforced by the geographic concentration of the listed importer companies around Tanjung Priok (6 of 10 importers are located in Tanjung Priok / Pademangan / Cilincing districts of North Jakarta). The Port of Tanjung Priok offers modern container terminals (including Koja Container Terminal, Jakarta International Container Terminal/JICT, and the new Kalibaru Terminal), with cold-chain facilities for perishable cargo.

Secondary ports of entry for Indonesian dates imports include:

• Port of Surabaya (Tanjung Perak) — Indonesia's second-largest port, serving the East Java market and the eastern Indonesian archipelago; some dates imports for East Java distribution arrive directly here, though most are re-distributed from Jakarta.
• Port of Belawan (Medan, North Sumatra) — third-largest Indonesian port, serving the North Sumatra/Aceh market; small volume of direct dates imports for the North Sumatra region.
• Port of Makassar (South Sulawesi) — main port for Eastern Indonesia (Indonesia Timur); serves the eastern Indonesian Muslim population with some direct dates imports.
• Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Cengkareng — primary air-freight entry point for premium fresh dates (Medjool, Ajwa premium grades) requiring rapid transport during Ramadan peak; PT. MULIA RAYA AGRIJAYA's Cengkareng location enables efficient handling of air-freighted dates.
• Sunda Kelapa Port (Jakarta) — historic port used for inter-island distribution; PT. LARIS MANIS UTAMA's location here reflects the use of traditional pinisi schooners for secondary distribution to other Indonesian islands.

For international dates exporters, the choice of port of entry depends on the product type: fresh premium dates (Medjool, Ajwa premium grade, fresh Sukari) typically go by air freight to CGK Airport for fast turnaround during Ramadan; semi-dry and dried dates (Egyptian Siwi, Iranian Piarom, Tunisian Deglet Nour, Saudi Sukari standard grade) travel by sea in refrigerated containers (reefers) via 18-30 day transit from origin ports (Jeddah, Damman, Alexandria, Bandar Abbas, Rades, Antwerp) to Tanjung Priok. The cold-chain requirements for sea-freighted fresh dates are demanding — temperatures must be maintained at -1°C to +2°C during transit to prevent spoilage, and the containers must be customs-cleared rapidly at Tanjung Priok to avoid quality deterioration.

Access Real-Time Indonesia Dates Import Data — TurkExim

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