Container shipping and air cargo from China to Indonesia 2026

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL)

Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for shipping from China to Indonesia. The primary gateway is Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta — Indonesia's largest and busiest port. Other major ports include Surabaya (East Java) and Belawan (North Sumatra). Direct services are available from major Chinese ports.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Best for cargo >15 CBM. Lower cost per unit, higher security.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Best for cargo 2‑15 CBM. Pay only for the space you use.
• Service end: Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Surabaya, or Belawan Port. Consignee arranges customs clearance and final delivery.
• Transit time: 12‑18 days to Jakarta, 14‑20 days to Surabaya/Belawan from major Chinese ports.

Air Cargo to Indonesia (CGK / SUB)

Air freight is suitable for high-value electronics, samples, urgent parts, or small-batch shipments. Flights arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta — Indonesia's main air cargo gateway — or Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya for eastern destinations.

• Transit time: 3‑7 business days
• Service end: CGK or SUB Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup.
• Best for: Urgent spare parts, medical supplies, electronics, fashion samples
• Note: Air freight is more expensive than sea freight but offers significant time advantages.

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, and urgent shipments, express courier offers the fastest delivery to any address in Indonesia, subject to carrier service coverage.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 2‑5 days door‑to‑door (estimates, not guaranteed)
• Service end: Door‑to‑door delivery to consignee's address (if within carrier coverage)
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments

Express courier service availability depends on the destination. Please contact us to confirm service availability for your specific destination. Services are provided by third-party carriers and subject to their terms. Transit times are estimates, not guaranteed.

Jakarta, Surabaya & Belawan

Indonesia's main seaports are Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) — the country's largest and most modern container port, handling over 50% of Indonesia's maritime trade. Surabaya serves East Java and eastern islands, while Belawan is the key port for Sumatra. All have direct connections from China.

• Tanjung Priok (Jakarta): Primary gateway, frequent direct sailings
• Surabaya (SUB): Second busiest, serves eastern Indonesia
• Belawan (Medan): Main port for Sumatra
• Direct services: Available from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and other Chinese ports

Jakarta (CGK) & Surabaya (SUB)

Indonesia's main international airports handle the majority of air freight. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta is the largest and busiest, handling over 70% of the country's air cargo. Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya serves eastern Indonesia. Ngurah Rai (DPS) in Bali and Kualanamu (KNO) in Medan also handle cargo.

• CGK: Largest airport, serving the capital Jakarta
• SUB: Eastern gateway, serving Surabaya and beyond
• DPS / KNO: Regional cargo airports
• Major airlines: Garuda Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Singapore Airlines Cargo

Key Regulatory & Market Changes

• New customs regulations: Indonesia's customs authority (DJBC) has implemented stricter valuation and documentation checks.
• Electronic declaration: All imports must be filed electronically via the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW).
• Port digitalization: Tanjung Priok has enhanced its terminal operating systems to improve efficiency.
• Trade growth: Bilateral trade between China and Indonesia continues to expand, with increasing demand for machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.

FCL & LCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai → Jakarta): $1,800 – $2,800
• 20GP (Shenzhen → Jakarta): $1,500 – $2,500
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shanghai → Jakarta): $2,800 – $4,500
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shenzhen → Jakarta): $2,500 – $4,000
• Surabaya / Belawan: Slightly higher due to longer distance
• LCL (per CBM): Please contact for specific rates
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

Air Freight & Express Pricing

• Air Freight (≥45 kg): Approximately $2.50 – $6 per kg
• Express Courier: $8 – $15 per kg
• Note: Air freight and express rates are calculated based on volumetric weight.
• Express channels: Suitable for samples and urgent small shipments

Import Duties & Taxes

Indonesia's customs duties are calculated based on product type and value according to the Harmonized System (HS) code. The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) manages clearance through the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) system.

• Import Duties: Vary by HS code — typically 0‑30% (most consumer goods 5‑20%)
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 11% on most imported goods (standard rate)
• Income Tax (Article 22): 7.5% for importers with an import license (API), 10% for non‑API
• Processing Time: Typically 2‑7 days for customs clearance
• INSW: Electronic declaration system

Required Documents

You will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Packing List — Inventory of each container's contents
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates (e.g., under ASEAN‑China FTA)
• Import License (API) — Required for importers; can be arranged through a broker
• Pre‑Shipment Inspection (if required) — For certain regulated goods
• Health Certificate / Phytosanitary Certificate — For food, plants, and agricultural products

Transport from Port to Destination

Indonesia has an extensive but sometimes congested road network. Major cities are connected by highways, while inter‑island transport relies on ferries and barges. Jakarta is approximately 100 km from Tanjung Priok to the city center (often affected by traffic). Surabaya and other cities have good local distribution.

• Key destinations: Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar, Denpasar
• Transport modes: Truck (primary for Java), Rail (limited), Barges (inter‑island)
• Recommendation: Engage a reputable, licensed customs broker with local transport partners

Indonesia's Trade Landscape

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and a major trading partner for China. Key Chinese exports include machinery, electronics, vehicles, steel, textiles, and consumer goods. Indonesia exports coal, palm oil, rubber, and minerals to China.

• Key Chinese Exports: Machinery, electronics, vehicles, steel, textiles, chemical products
• Key Indonesian Exports to China: Coal, palm oil, rubber, copper, nickel
• Major Shipping Lines: MSC, Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming, PIL
• Trade routes: Frequent direct services from China's major ports to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Belawan