BKI Assists DirectorateGeneral of Maritime Affairs to Tighten Seaworthiness Testing of Passenger Vessels for 2026
PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI), a state-owned maritime classification company, alongside the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, has conducted Seaworthiness Testing of Passenger Vessels for the 2026 Lebaran exodus at the Principal Port Authority and Authority Office (KSOP) in Makassar. The operation aims to ensure that passenger vessels serving the holiday travel surge meet safety standards and are prepared for operation.
Seaworthiness testing involves direct inspection of vessel conditions, including physical structure, machinery, safety equipment, and supporting facilities. This procedure ensures vessels are in adequate condition before transporting passengers during the 2026 Lebaran period.
BKI Chief Executive Officer R. Benny Susanto attended the event, demonstrating the company’s commitment as a provider of maritime survey and classification services to ensure inspection processes comply with applicable regulations.
The testing encompasses not only document verification but also direct examination of safety equipment and vessel technical readiness. Inspections are conducted to prevent potential operational oversights and ensure vessels can operate safely, including during periods of heightened passenger numbers over Lebaran.
Beyond technical aspects, inspections include assessment of general passenger facilities and vessel cleanliness to support passenger comfort. This effort is expected to provide assurance to communities undertaking Lebaran sea travel.
BKI emphasised its ongoing commitment to supporting maritime safety and security oversight through technical assistance and objective inspections to minimise accident risks and maintain Indonesian sea transport safety standards.
The testing of Lebaran 2026 passenger vessels was conducted on 18 February 2026 at KSOP Utama Makassar. Direct inspections assess vessel physical condition, machinery, safety equipment, documentation, and passenger facilities to confirm operational readiness and the vessel’s ability to accommodate passenger surges during the Lebaran exodus.
Through technical assistance and objective inspections, BKI continues supporting maritime safety oversight to minimise risks and uphold national sea transport safety standards. The objective is to realise safe, comfortable, and secure Lebaran sea travel for all passengers reaching their destinations safely.