100 Migrants from Raas Island in Bali Return Home Aboard State Vessel

On Saturday morning, 14 March 2026, Celukan Bawang Port presented an unusual scene. Bags filled with gifts, sleepy children, and hopeful faces lined the passenger queue. They were not tourists, but migrants preparing to return home through a free homecoming programme using state vessels.

The government-organised programme assists residents from Raas Island, Sumenep Regency, East Java, who work and live in Bali in returning home for Eid without bearing significant travel costs.

Taufikur Rahman, Head of the Port Authority and Harbormaster’s Office (KSOP) Celukan Bawang, explained that several state vessels had been deployed specifically to assist the homecoming surge this year.

“On Saturday, we have deployed three state vessels for free transport to Raas Island,” said Taufikur Rahman.

The three vessels are KN Cundamani, operated by the Maritime and Coastal Guard Base (PLP) Tanjung Perak; KN Nusa Penida from Benoa Navigation District; and KN Masalembo from Tanjung Perak Navigation District.

On the first departure of the day, approximately 100 passengers were sent off. The second sailing is estimated to carry up to 180 passengers, whilst the third is expected to transport around 180 people. On Sunday, one additional vessel will depart with the same destination.

“In total, we can transport approximately 700 to 900 passengers across these sailings. We are still awaiting the departure tomorrow,” he stated.

He explained that the vessels used are not passenger ships but search and rescue vessels typically deployed for operational duties.

“These state vessels are designated as work vessels or search and rescue craft. However, during the Eid transport season, we dedicate these vessels to help our fellow citizens returning to Raas Island,” he clarified.

Before operating as passenger carriers, all vessels underwent ramp checks by their respective coordinators to ensure seaworthiness and voyage safety.

“From the ramp checks conducted, these vessels have been certified suitable for passenger transport,” he added.

Among the homeward-bound migrants, Setyalifa appeared busy managing her belongings whilst occasionally reassuring her family members. The Raas Island native is returning home with four family members. She has participated in the free homecoming programme at Celukan Bawang Port twice before.

“I learned about it from relatives. It is eagerly anticipated every year because we can gather with family,” she said.

Setyalifa, who now lives in Denpasar, departed at midnight aboard a chartered bus.

“We left at midnight on a group bus. We arrived here around 4am,” she said.

She has already prepared Balinese souvenirs for her family in the village, including gifts for her grandmother, whom she has not seen in a long time.

“There is pie susu and other souvenirs. My grandmother is there,” she said.

Another migrant, Agus Wedi, also admitted this was his first time using the Celukan Bawang Port route for his return journey. He usually travels via a different route.

“Usually I go via Gilimanuk then to Jangkar. But this time I tried this route,” he said.

He learned about the free homecoming programme from the Islamic boarding school where he is active. According to Agus, travel costs to his hometown are substantial via conventional routes, not to mention the lengthy queues approaching Eid.

“The costs are quite high, and the queues are long. That is why many people from Raas are using this route now,” he said.

Agus also brought several Balinese souvenirs for his family at home.

“I have banana and pie susu. I bought them in Denpasar yesterday,” he said with a smile.

For Agus, returning home is not merely a journey but also about reuniting with loved ones.

“I miss my mother most. The last time we met was in November when a family member passed away,” he said quietly.

This free homecoming programme represents hope for many Raas residents working in Bali. They hope the state vessel assistance will continue in future years.

Taufikur Rahman also expressed hopes that homecoming services will improve in the future, ideally using dedicated passenger vessels. “Our hope is that assistance like this will continue next year. But it would be even better if we could use passenger vessels,” he said.