Indonesian Navy Deploys 1,239 Homebound Travellers Aboard Warship from Jakarta to Bangka Belitung

Jakarta — The Indonesian Navy has deployed 1,239 homebound travellers from Kolinlamil Wharf in North Jakarta to Bangka Belitung aboard the warship KRI Semarang-594 on Sunday (15 March 2026).

The Assistant to Operations of the Chief of Naval Staff (Asops KSAL), Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan, stated that the free homecoming programme represents the government’s and Indonesian Navy’s commitment to national interests and assisting the public.

“This joint homecoming activity using a warship — as you can see behind us, the KRI Semarang-594 has already embarked with 1,239 personnel from Bangka Belitung,” Yayan said when met at Kolinlamil, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Sunday (15 March 2026).

According to Yayan, the homebound travellers participating in this programme hail from various regions, including Jakarta, Bogor, and Bandung, and are returning to their hometowns.

The Indonesian Navy stated that this free homecoming programme using a warship to Bangka Belitung is being conducted for the first time this year.

“Previously, we conducted these operations to eastern regions, to Semarang, Surabaya, and Jakarta. However, this is the first instance,” he said.

The two-star admiral noted that the programme also follows up on an official request from Bangka Belitung Governor Hidayat Arsani, submitted through a letter to the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali.

“And we are grateful that the vessel was available,” he said.

Yayan stated that the homecoming voyage is planned to cover approximately 400 nautical miles.

For the return journey, the vessel will depart from Bangka on 27 March, arrive in Belitung on 28 March, and return to Jakarta on 29 March.

“Throughout the land and sea journey, the homebound travellers have been provided with facilities for breaking the fast and dawn meals,” he said.