More Ships Now Serving Ambon to Banda Neira Route

Ships from Ambon heading to Banda Neira in Central Maluku Regency have become more numerous. Ridwan Mandaliko, head of Pelni’s Ambon branch, said in Ambon, Maluku, on Monday (13/7) that high public and tourist interest in travelling to Banda Neira is one reason the company continues to increase the number of vessels.

“Banda Neira has excellent tourist destinations. That is why connectivity must be continuously strengthened so that the mobility of residents and tourists becomes easier,” he said.

The journey from Ambon to Banda Neira currently uses KM Labobar, with a travel time of seven to eight hours. KM Pangrango takes around 14 to 15 hours, while pioneer vessels require approximately 16 to 17 hours.

For that reason, he said, Pelni is considering additional ships to support the mobility of residents and tourists travelling to Banda Neira.

“We are conducting a study on whether a faster vessel will be needed in future to support transport between Ambon and Banda, as well as other areas in Maluku,” he explained.

Pelni will also add ships serving Maluku routes through the operation of a 2,000-passenger-class vessel, KM Umsini.

Beyond improving residents’ mobility, he hopes the distribution of goods, trading activity and the needs of communities in Banda can be better met.

Passenger occupancy on the Banda Neira route, Ridwan said, continues to rise. 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 each week.

Public interest in travelling to Banda Neira, he said, is considerable. Besides residents travelling for trade or family matters, many tourists also use Pelni ships for holidays in Banda Neira. (Ant)