More Ships Now Serving Ambon to Banda Neira Route

The number of ships travelling from Ambon to Banda Neira, Central Maluku Regency, has increased. Pelni Ambon Branch Head Ridwan Mandaliko stated in Ambon, Maluku, on Monday (13/7) that high public and tourist interest in travelling to Banda Neira is one of the reasons the state-owned shipping company continues to increase vessel numbers. “Banda Neira has excellent tourist destinations. Therefore, connectivity must be continuously strengthened to make mobility for residents and tourists easier,” he said. The journey from Ambon to Banda Neira currently uses KM Labobar, with a travel time of seven to eight hours. Meanwhile, KM Pangrango takes around 14 to 15 hours, and pioneer ships require approximately 16 to 17 hours. Consequently, he said, Pelni is considering additional ships to support the mobility of residents and tourists heading to Banda Neira. “We are conducting a study on whether a faster ship is needed in the future to support transport between Ambon and Banda, as well as other areas in Maluku,” he revealed. Pelni will also add ships serving the Maluku route through the operation of a 2,000-passenger type vessel, KM Umsini. Besides increasing public mobility, he hopes the distribution of goods, trade activities, and the needs of the community in Banda can be met. Ridwan explained that passenger occupancy to Banda Neira continues to show an increase. He noted that on KM Labobar, the number of passengers heading to Banda can reach around 700 to 800 people. Meanwhile, KM Pangrango, which serves the Ambon-Banda route, carries an average of 350 to 400 passengers per departure, with a frequency of two sailings per week. He said public interest in travelling to Banda Neira is high, with many tourists using Pelni ships for holidays in Banda Neira, in addition to people travelling for trade or family matters.