Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a set of policies to solve the decarbonization issues of container terminal clusters. Design/methodology/approach – This research used the system dynamics approach to develop an integrated multi-issue policy model. Findings – We found that the mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel can decrease GRDP and container throughput and hinder the growth of companies and workers due to high fuel prices. However, it can contribute to a significant reduction in SOx emissions. Research limitations/implications – This research used the Tanjung Priok container terminal cluster in Jakarta, Indonesia, as its case study. Hence, some findings are attached to the characters of this container terminal cluster. Practical implications – We found that an integrated policy approach that can tackle technical and social issues can be used to develop a novel approach to solving the complexity that arises in a complex socio-technical system such as container terminal clusters. Social implications – As this research used the socio-technical systemic point of view, we found that solutions for major environmental issues should be coupled with significant social programs to (at least) maintain the welfare of society. Originality/value – This research used the integrated complexity model approach, system dynamics, which can significantly increase society’s ability to tackle multi-issue problems such as decarbonizing container terminal clusters.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development is becoming a preferable policy by the Indonesian government to boost economic growth in less-developed local regions. This is because of the promise that SEZ could attract investment and job creation based on local competitive commodities. One of these areas is Bitung SEZ, North Sulawesi - Indonesia, a coastal-based SEZ, as its strategic position for logistics, fishery resources, and coconut plantation. To explore the promise of growth proposed by developing SEZ in Bitung, we developed a Systems Dynamics model of the interaction between economic growth, social development, and environmental impacts. Based on the model understanding and development, we identified three factors the Indonesian government should improve: coconut plantation productivity, fisheries ship management, and education index. With these three factors in mind, several policy options were tested in the model, resulting in a more substantial impact than the business-as-usual condition.

A seaport attracts firms to it; such firms are often complementary and find ways to interact with one another, forming port clusters. The growth and decline of these clusters largely depend on government policies. Large port clusters have more economic activity but are also characterized by negative externalities, such as air pollution. This study investigates the dynamics and sustainability of the Tanjung Priok port cluster. System dynamics are used to examine the issue, and port cluster sustainability is assessed by modeling the dynamics of the system over a 20-year timespan. The growth of a port cluster has been found to positively influence the regional economy and the level of employment while also damaging the environment. This study investigates further the impact of an alternative port cluster development program (namely a free trade policy) and shore power system (SPS) program policies on the sustainability of a port cluster. The model indicates that when a free trade policy and an SPS program are implemented in tandem to maximize the economy and reduce environmental damage, they provide additional benefits.