{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1613311,
        "msgid": "government-probes-alleged-unlawful-levies-in-free-sea-travel-programme-1773482029",
        "date": "2026-03-14 16:23:56",
        "title": "Government probes alleged unlawful levies in free sea travel programme",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The Indonesian government is investigating reports of unauthorised charges in its free sea transport service on the Kendari\u2013Muna\u2013Baubau shipping route during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period. Deputy Minister Suntana pledged that authorities would examine the programme's implementation systems and take firm action against any responsible parties if violations are confirmed, emphasising that all services funded by state resources must remain completely free of charge for passengers.",
        "content": "<p>\u201cWe will look into it later,\u201d Suntana said when asked about reports\nof unlawful charges in the program.<\/p>\n<p>The alleged practice occurred in the free sea transport service\noperating on the Kendari\u2013Muna\u2013Baubau shipping route.<\/p>\n<p>The government launched the program to help people travel home during\nthe Eid al-Fitr holiday by providing free transportation across several\nmodes.<\/p>\n<p>Responding to the allegations, Suntana said authorities would examine\nthe system used in implementing the program to determine whether\nviolations had occurred.<\/p>\n<p>If wrongdoing is confirmed, the government will not hesitate to take\nfirm action against any parties responsible, he added.<\/p>\n<p>The deputy minister emphasized that the free homecoming initiative is\nfunded by the state and intended to provide public services for\ntravelers.<\/p>\n<p>Because the program is financed through government funds, all\nservices under it must be completely free of charge for passengers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFree homecoming programs cover several sectors. There are air, sea\nand rail services provided by the government,\u201d Suntana said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf there are irregularities, we will take action and correct them as\nsoon as possible,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>The free travel initiative is designed to reduce transportation costs\nfor the public while improving safety and mobility during the busy Eid\nholiday period.<\/p>\n<p>Millions of Indonesians travel across the archipelago during Eid each\nyear to return to their hometowns, creating one of the world\u2019s largest\nseasonal migrations.<\/p>\n<p>Government programs offering free travel are therefore aimed at\neasing congestion and providing safer alternatives for travelers.<\/p>\n<p>Suntana said the ministry would continue monitoring the program\nclosely to ensure it operates according to its intended objectives.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities will also respond to any complaints from the public to\nmaintain accountability in public service delivery.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt will certainly be dealt with firmly. If those providing public\nservices commit wrongdoing, we must take firm action,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The Transportation Ministry has prepared around 6,000 free ship\ntickets for passengers using the Kendari\u2013Raha\u2013Baubau route in Southeast\nSulawesi.<\/p>\n<p>The tickets are expected to help residents travel between the islands\nsafely and affordably during the Eid holiday season.<\/p>\n<p>Officials said the program is part of broader government efforts to\nensure smoother transportation services during the annual homecoming\nperiod.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Ministry ensures smooth free homecoming program ahead\nof Eid al-Fitr<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Police chief inspects readiness of homecoming valet\nprogram<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Harianto, Kenzu<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-probes-alleged-unlawful-levies-in-free-sea-travel-programme-1773482029",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}