KSOP Records 27,532 Return Passengers in Kendari

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Kendari Class II Port Authority and Harbour Master’s Office (KSOP) has recorded 27,532 passengers arriving at various docks in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, up to H+4 of the post-Eid al-Fitr return flow in 2026.

Head of KSOP Class II Kendari, Capt. Raman, stated when met in Kendari on Thursday that this figure is the cumulative arrival of passengers from 13 March to 25 March 2026. All passengers entered through four main entry points: Bungkutoko Port, Boat Terminal, Nusantara Port, and the Wawonii ferry port.

“Up to H+4, the return flow activities are running normally. All ship fleets continue to serve passengers according to their respective regional routes,” said Raman.

He explained that on Wednesday afternoon, two ships carrying free homecoming participants from Baubau and Raha had docked, namely Express Cantika 07 and Express Cantika 5E.

“Meanwhile, the peak of the return flow is predicted to occur on 28-29 March 2026,” he stated.

Raman revealed that data shows a significant increasing trend in the number of passengers this year. If last year’s homecoming period saw a 23% increase in passengers, for the 2026 Eid period, it has surged to 35%.

“To anticipate the surge at the peak return flow, we have prepared 29 ship fleet units. We also predict that the last wave of free homecoming participants will return to Kendari on 1 April 2026,” Raman disclosed.

He explained that field conditions indicate increasing density, especially on the Raha-Kendari route. Several passengers choose fast ferries as the main transport mode to the provincial capital, including for urgent medical referrals to the Kendari Regional General Hospital (RSUD).

Raman added that his office continues to implement strict monitoring measures and cross-agency coordination to ensure the smooth operation and safety of shipping during the busy return flow period in the waters of Southeast Sulawesi.