Klungkung Regency's Proposal to Increase Pioneer Ship Trips to Nusa Penida Approved

The Klungkung Regency administration’s request to increase pioneer ship trips to Nusa Penida has been approved by the Bali Provincial Government. The pioneer shipping service departs from Padangbai Port in Karangasem.

Klungkung Regent I Made Satria explained that the request for additional sailings was made because the price gap between Nusa Penida District and other areas of mainland Klungkung is widening. Price differences can range from two to four times higher and must be addressed urgently.

‘That is why we sought this additional trip, and the Governor immediately ordered that this increase be carried out as soon as possible, even though there will be additional budget for the subsidy,’ Satria told reporters at his official residence on Monday evening (15/6/2026).

The Klungkung Regency administration is now accelerating a technical and economic study following the provincial government’s approval. The study process is targeted to proceed as quickly as possible so that the additional trip can be implemented by early next year at the latest.

One aspect of the study is the feasibility of operational costs, moving from two to three trips. This study calculates the budget requirements for the subsidy. Nevertheless, the budget requirement is already estimated to increase from Rp 1.4 billion to Rp 2.1 billion.

Additionally, the Klungkung Regency administration is also examining economic potential and demand. The study will analyse projected passenger numbers and cargo volumes at the destination port to ensure the additional trip is beneficial. According to Satria, the service could be converted to a commercial operation if demand is high.

‘If it turns out that demand is high and more than three trips a day are needed, it can become commercial and no longer subsidised. That way, the public can more easily access shipping according to their needs. This is very possible,’ Satria explained.

On another note, Satria stressed that the Klungkung Regency administration continues to pursue the construction of a crossing port in Dawan District. He noted that managing shipping and the needs of the Nusa Penida community would be much easier if they had their own port.

Based on a feasibility study, the project is estimated to cost Rp 343 billion. ‘We continue to pursue this. It is still in process. We are resolving things one at a time,’ he stated.