Ministry of Transport Prepares 841 Ships to Support Sea Transport for Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) 2026

Transport Minister Dudy Purwangandhi stated that the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is preparing 841 ships with a total capacity of around 3.2 million passengers to support sea transport during the Lebaran period in 2026. The fleet will serve various domestic routes during the homecoming and the return flow of Lebaran 1447 AH. ‘As part of the government’s effort to ensure fleet readiness and port services,’ Purwangandhi said in a written statement on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The preparation of hundreds of ships is intended to ensure fleet readiness and port services so that people’s journeys during the Lebaran period run smoothly. Purwangandhi assessed that sea transport plays a strategic role, especially in serving archipelagic regions, remote areas, outermost and border regions. The Ministry of Transport, he said, has prepared several measures to guarantee adequate services. Seaworthiness tests have been conducted on various types of vessels, ranging from passenger ships, ferries, fast boats, traditional ships, to tourist ships. As part of economic stimulus and government support for the public, the government again provides a free-ticket programme with a quota of more than 66,000 passengers. Registration opens from 6 March 2026 for the departure period 11 March to 6 April 2026. In addition, the government offers a 30 percent tariff discount for all Public Service Obligation (PSO) economy-class routes operated by PT Pelni. The discount covers more than 445,000 tickets. Purwangandhi emphasised that maritime safety is the top priority in organising Lebaran 2026 sea transport, in line with high levels of mobility during the homecoming and return period. Comprehensive inspections are carried out of vessel seaworthiness, safety equipment, and crew competence. Readiness of port facilities is also being enhanced, including passenger terminals, waiting areas, health facilities, and accessible information systems. On the operational side, the Ministry of Transportation emphasises discipline in timetable management, capacity augmentation where needed, and optimisation of vessel traffic management. Coordination between the government, shipping operators, and other stakeholders is continuously strengthened to maintain smooth service.