Optimization of Local Commodity Distribution System: Case Study Seaweed Distribution from Kalimantan to Makassar

Abstract

The existence of Presidential Regulation Number 33/2019 concerning the Roadmap for the Development of the National Seaweed Industry indicates that it is time for Indonesia to be more serious in developing the seaweed resource industry to meet domestic and international demands. In line with the volume of seaweed traffic in Indonesia of 36.942 tons per year, as well as the production capacity of Indonesian seaweed which controls more than 70% of the global seaweed market, this situation will have a very good impact on seaweed farmers to continue production of seaweed. However, behind the enormous amount of demands for seaweed, there are serious problems experienced by seaweed farmers, especially for seaweed farmers in Borneo. Majority of seaweed produced in Kalimantan cannot be distributed properly to importing areas due to the lack of seaweed transportation. This paper evaluates the current distribution system to find suitable payload for planning a new distribution system by operating either a non-propelled or a self-propelled barge. The non propelled barge will be operated by chartering a tugboat (time charter). Therefore, the manning cost and capital cost for tugboat construction will be the owner’s responsibility. Every options are calculated to find feasible dimension. Unit cost that may be charged to consumers also calculated to provide the comparison with the current unit cost paid by seaweed farmers at Rp 550.000/ton. Unit cost calculation result for the 1st option (Non-propelled barge) is at Rp 367.200/ton and for the 2nd option (Self-propelled barge) is at Rp 870.100/ton. Therefore, the most optimum solution is a non-propelled barge, around 27% cheaper than the current unit cost charged.