Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Releases Hundreds of Homebound Travellers Free to North Maluku
The Governor of Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), Andi Sumangerukka, oversaw the departure of hundreds of residents in the Free Homebound Travel Programme on the Kendari to Bobong, Taliabu District, North Maluku route. This emergency initiative was launched to assist travellers who had faced difficulties obtaining tickets due to limited capacity on regular ferry services.
At Nusantara Port in Kendari on Sunday 15 March, Andi Sumangerukka explained that the programme resulted from rapid collaboration between the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Government, the North Maluku Provincial Government, and the Taliabu District Administration.
“Alhamdulillah, we were able to dispatch over 200 passengers. This programme was introduced to assist residents who previously experienced difficulty obtaining tickets due to limited regular vessel capacity,” Andi Sumangerukka stated in remarks received on Tuesday 17 March.
He explained that the direct route from Kendari to Bobong presented particular challenges due to the limited number of vessels serving the route. Based on field reports, over 200 prospective passengers had been stranded due to full vessel capacity.
“After we consulted with the Taliabu District Administration and the North Maluku Provincial Government, we agreed to arrange this additional departure. We wanted to ensure that no residents would be left waiting at the port,” he said.
Andi Sumangerukka expressed hope that all passengers would enjoy a safe journey and arrive at their destination on schedule. He also emphasised the importance of coordination among regional governments in addressing maritime logistics and transportation issues, particularly in archipelagic regions.
In addition to providing free ship accommodation, Andi Sumangerukka also distributed cash assistance to travellers to help ease their expenses during the journey and whilst celebrating Eid al-Fitr in their hometowns.
The departure event was received enthusiastically by the travellers. They expressed appreciation to the regional government for the swift solution provided, given the strong desire of residents to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families.