KSOP brings in KN Masalembu to ease congestion during Eid homecoming at Jangkar Port

Situbondo — The Class IV Harbour Master and Port Authority (KSOP) of Panarukan, Situbondo, East Java, has deployed the state vessel (KN) Masalembu to ease congestion during the Eid homecoming surge from Jangkar Port to Raas Island, Sumenep Regency, Madura, on Sunday.

The head of KSOP Class IV Panarukan, Situbondo, Herland Aprilyanto, explained that the strategic deployment of KN Masalembu comes as the number of homecoming travellers heading to Raas Island via Jangkar Port continues to increase six days before Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“This vessel, operated by the Navigation District Type A Class I of Tanjung Perak, is to assist maritime transport services at Jangkar Port towards Raas Island, and this measure is intended to ensure smooth mobility for island communities, particularly residents making the Eid journey ahead of Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah,” he said in Situbondo on Sunday.

By deploying the support vessel KN Masalembu to Jangkar Port, Herland added, passenger congestion during the Eid transport season is expected to ease whilst services to the community remain safe, orderly, and comfortable.

“In the early morning, the support vessel KN Masalembu carried 184 passengers on the Jangkar-Raas route,” Herland said.

He added that the deployment of KN Masalembu represents synergy between units within the Ministry of Transport in providing optimal services to the community, particularly for island residents who depend heavily on maritime transport.

“We are also continuously monitoring and overseeing all vessel departure activities to ensure that safety, security, and maritime order remain the highest priority during the 2026 Eid transport season,” Herland said.