<![CDATA[Container ports are strategically vital to international trade and national logistics, making operational efficiency essential for competitiveness. While prior research has largely measured efficiency through quantitative methods, limited attention has been given to how frontline practitioners perceive and achieve efficiency in daily operations. This study explores port operators' perceptions of operational efficiency, its facilitating factors, barriers, and improvement strategies in Indonesian container ports. A qualitative interpretivist approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with twelve experienced port operators selected purposively and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings show operational efficiency is perceived as a multidimensional capability involving vessel services, resource utilization, berth/yard management, equipment reliability, stakeholder coordination, and digital systems. Key drivers include cross-agency coordination, skilled human resources, accurate planning, and digital technologies (Port Community Systems, Terminal Operating Systems, Smart Port initiatives). Barriers include yard congestion, limited berth capacity, equipment failures, and fragmented digital platforms. The study concludes that sustainable efficiency requires integrated coordination, governance, digital integration, and stakeholder collaboration, offering practical insights for Smart Port implementation.]]>
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