The development of Kalibaru aims to accommodate the increase of cargo at Tanjung Priok port, to improve the port’s performance and to achieve optimal port capacity. Pelindo, as a project owner, decided to look for potential partners to operate this terminal. Based on the cooperation regulation guideline, it is stated that cooperation is carried out with the principles of transparency, independence, accountability, benefits, and fairness and by the provisions of regulations. To fulfill the principles, the research presents a recommendation process for partner selection, which starts the planning process by developing strategies, selecting strategic partners with assessment and negotiation, to the implementation. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute valuable insights and recommendations for other partner selection processes. Properly selecting strategic partners can support the success of port development and operation to enable partners to concentrate on activities best suited to their capabilities, learn from partners and develop competencies that may expand market access, and obtain sufficient resources and appropriate competencies. Therefore, it is essential to assess the results obtained from the cooperation as a basis for evaluation and identify the effect of strategic partnership on port performance.