Indonesian Navy deploys warship to assist Eid homecoming travellers

Jakarta — The Indonesian Navy (TNI Angkatan Laut) has deployed the Indonesian Navy warship KRI Semarang-594 to transport homecoming travellers bound for Bangka Belitung, in response to strong public demand for inter-island transport options ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan, Assistant for Operations to the Chief of Naval Staff, stated that the free homecoming service represents the first such operation on the Bangka Belitung route.

“This is indeed the first time we are conducting a homecoming journey together to the Bangka Belitung Islands,” Yayan said during the vessel’s departure ceremony at the Kolinlamil Dock in North Jakarta on Sunday.

He explained that the initiative follows an official request from the Bangka Belitung Provincial Government to the Indonesian Navy leadership.

“Previously we conducted operations to eastern regions such as Semarang and Surabaya. However, for Bangka Belitung, we are responding to a formal request from the Bangka Belitung Governor to the Chief of Naval Staff,” he said.

According to Yayan, the programme was feasible because the availability of Indonesian Navy warships permitted their deployment to assist the public.

Yayan added that KRI Semarang will undertake a voyage of approximately 400 nautical miles with two primary destinations — Bangka and Belitung — before returning to transport passengers during the post-Eid return journey in 2026.

“This voyage will cover approximately 400 nautical miles with two destinations for passenger disembarkation, and the KRI will remain in Bangka Belitung to transport returning passengers,” he said.

The inter-island homecoming programme aims to reduce road traffic congestion and minimise accident risks for people undertaking long-distance journeys by motorcycle.

Additionally, the programme forms part of the Indonesian Navy’s role in supporting public mobility whilst demonstrating state presence in public services ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.