Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry will deploy 841 ships with capacity for about 3.2 million passengers to ensure smooth sea travel nationwide during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday, a period marked by massive homecoming trips across the archipelago.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said in a statement Thursday the fleet deployment aims to ensure ship readiness and reliable port services during both the homecoming (mudik) and return (balik) travel periods for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
Dudy emphasized that sea transportation plays a strategic role in Indonesia, particularly for connecting the country’s vast archipelagic, remote, outermost and border regions, where ships remain the primary mode of mass transport.
The ministry has conducted comprehensive seaworthiness inspections covering passenger ships, ferries, fast boats, traditional vessels and tourism ships to ensure safety and comfort during the expected surge in holiday travel.
“Sea transportation services during Eid must be safe, secure, comfortable, orderly and smooth,” the minister said, stressing that passenger safety remains the government’s top priority.
To support travelers and stimulate economic activity, the government will provide more than 66,000 free tickets for eligible passengers.
Registration opens March 6, 2026, for departures scheduled between March 11 and April 6, 2026.
State-owned operator PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) will also offer a 30 percent discount on all Public Service Obligation (PSO) economy-class routes, covering over 445,000 tickets, to help spread travel demand more evenly during the peak period.
Dudy said the anticipated increase in passenger numbers requires strict preventive measures, including vessel inspections, safety equipment verification and crew competency checks, along with improvements in port infrastructure and passenger services.
The ministry is also upgrading terminals, waiting areas, health facilities and information systems to provide clearer travel information and more convenient services for passengers.
Operational efficiency will be maintained through strict sailing schedules, potential additional capacity and improved ship traffic management, supported by close coordination among government agencies, port operators and shipping companies.
The minister also urged service providers to ensure humanistic and inclusive services, particularly for vulnerable passengers such as elderly travelers, people with disabilities, pregnant women and children.
He added that integrity among transportation personnel is essential to maintaining public trust and delivering reliable services during the busy holiday travel period.
“Without integrity, even well-executed technical operations can lose their meaning,” Dudy said.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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