Naval Warship KRI Semarang-594 Transports Thousands of Returnees from Bangka
The Indonesian Navy warship KRI Semarang-594 once again transported thousands of returnees in the 2026 Lebaran return flow programme through Tanjung Gudang Belinyu Port, Bangka Regency. The returnees, scattered across various areas of Bangka Island, will be taken to Belitung and Jakarta.
This free return programme is a collaboration between the Navy and the Bangka Belitung Islands Provincial Government to assist the community after celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Commander of the Naval Base (Danlanal) Bangka Belitung Colonel Yulindo stated that the free return programme aims to help the community return to Belitung and Jakarta safely and affordably.
“This is a form of care from the Navy together with the provincial government to help the community with free returns, especially during the Lebaran return flow,” said Yulindo on Sunday (29/3).
According to him, more than 1,000 residents were departed from Tanjung Gudang Belinyu Port. “They departed from Tanjung Gudang Belinyu Port with KRI Semarang-594,” he said.
Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Hidayat Arsani expressed appreciation to the Navy Chief of Staff (Kasal), Danlanal, and all parties contributing to the smooth Lebaran return flow this year.
“We together with the Police Chief, Army Regional Commander, Danlanal, regents, mayors, and all elements are very proud. We welcome them upon arrival, and escort them home well. This is our contribution, caring for the community so they can return from out of town. Hopefully next year they can come back again,” said Hidayat Arsani after releasing the free return participants.
Separately, Bangka Regent Feri Insani said the free return programme greatly helps the community and is hoped to be implemented again next year. “Alhamdulillah, our community, especially those returning, can go back for free with that warship,” said Feri.
He also revealed that four passengers were temporarily left behind during the return flow release. However, the ship was still not far from the port, so officers could immediately help them catch up with the departure.
“I took the initiative to help all four of them. We escorted them to the middle using the Navy’s speed boat. Alhamdulillah, they could board the ship even though they had to climb the emergency ladder,” he said.
The free return programme using KRI Semarang-594 is expected to continue supporting inter-island connectivity while easing the travel cost burden for the community during the Lebaran momentum.