On April 28, 2023, Indonesia's Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, released 30,000 tons of steel owned by PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk at the Krakatau International Port (KIP) in Banten, which will be exported to Italy. The steel is worth IDR 315 billion and will be exported using the MV Auzonia vessel to the Marcegaglia Steel Carbon SPA in Italy. This export is part of the positive trend in national trade performance, with a surplus of USD 12.54 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
Baja or steel is currently Indonesia's third-largest export commodity after mining and palm oil, and is given special attention by the government. The CEO of KIP, Akbar Djohan, stated that KIP is ready to be the gateway for steel exports in Indonesia due to its adequate facilities and infrastructure, as well as its digital system. KIP has also provided integrated port and logistics services in several other regions, including Marunda, Dumai, Jepara, and Balikpapan, and has recently assisted in the development of the new capital city (IKN) in Kalimantan through the management of the Buluminung Port.
