Ministry of Transport launches free homecoming service for hundreds on Kendari–Raha route
Kendari – The Directorate General of Marine Transportation (Hubla) of the Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) of the Republic of Indonesia officially launched hundreds of passengers on the free homecoming programme for the maritime route Kendari–Raha at Kendari Nusantara Port, Southeast Sulawesi.
The Head of the Class II Land Transportation Management Centre (BPTD) for Southeast Sulawesi Husni Mubarak stated that 400 passengers were dispatched during the inaugural ceremony using KM Cantika Express 07.
“This free homecoming programme aims to reduce the use of private vehicles, particularly two-wheeled vehicles, to reduce the potential for traffic accidents,” said Husni Mubarak.
He noted that based on data, nearly 70 per cent of traffic accidents involve two-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, the government is encouraging the public to switch to safer public transport modes.
In addition to safety considerations, Husni Mubarak also cited the programme as a manifestation of state presence to ease the economic burden on communities ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijra.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Port Authority and Harbour Master’s Office (KSOP) Class IIA Kendari Capt. Rahman explained that the free homecoming service on the Kendari–Raha route is scheduled to run for three days, namely 12, 13 and 14 March 2026.
“For the Kendari–Raha route, we have prepared a quota of 2,000 tickets. Next, we will open the Kendari–Baubau route on 17 and 18 March 2026 with a quota of 1,200 tickets,” said Capt. Rahman.
He stated that all departure procedures for the free homecoming passengers were conducted smoothly and safely, beginning with the symbolic presentation of tickets to prospective passengers.
“All homecoming passengers were then directed towards the dock to board the ship,” he said.
Capt. Rahman hopes that community members enjoying the Ministry of Transport’s free homecoming service can reach their hometowns without any obstacles or disruptions.