Passenger movement in Karimunjawa, Jepara exceeds 190,000 people
The number of passengers travelling to and from Karimunjawa Island, Jepara Regency, Central Java, reached more than 190,000 people between January and August 2026, dominated by tourists, stated the Deputy Regent of Jepara, Muhammad Ibnu Hajar.
“This number continues to grow alongside the strengthening of transport connectivity to the Karimunjawa archipelago from Kartini Port, Jepara, including the reinforcement of large-capacity passenger ship fleets,” he said while attending the National Transportation Day ceremony on behalf of Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo at the Class II Jobokuto Port Unit Office, Jepara, on Thursday.
He noted that connectivity to Karimunjawa is being continuously strengthened through various modes of transport, including land, sea, and air.
According to him, land connectivity is being enhanced through DAMRI pioneer transport services. The route includes Karimunjawa Port, Kemujan, Dewadaru Airport, and Legon Bajak Port.
In the maritime transport sector, the Jepara-Karimunjawa route has expanded with the introduction of the Express Bahari 7G Fast Motor Vessel (KMC), which has a capacity of up to 487 passengers, bringing the total number of passenger ships to five.
Ibnu Hajar mentioned that throughout 2025, passenger movements in and out of Karimunjawa were recorded at over 247,000 people. Meanwhile, from January to August 2026, the figure has already reached over 190,000 passenger movements.
“More than 190,000 passenger movements were recorded in Karimunjawa throughout January-August 2026. This mobility is supported by land, sea, and air transport services connecting the archipelago with several points,” he said.
In addition to improving connectivity, the port sector in Karimunjawa is also being strengthened. The Class III Karimunjawa Port Authority Unit (UPP) has installed CCTV cameras at four locations as part of efforts to enhance surveillance and security in the port area.
Since 2022, the Class III Karimunjawa UPP has also issued 962 Small Boat Permits (Pas Kecil). These documents serve as both identification and registration for small-sized vessels.
The arrival of the Express Bahari 7G is one of the fleet additions expected to strengthen the Jepara-Karimunjawa connectivity.
Express Bahari 7G is the newest and largest vessel owned by PT Pelayaran Sakti Inti Makmur. The ship is equipped with the latest generation of engines and technology to support maritime transport services.
The presence of this vessel in Jepara is also linked to the Jepara Regency Government’s focus on developing the tourism sector.
Previously, the Express Bahari 7G was not planned to serve the Jepara-Karimunjawa route. However, following a request from the Regent of Jepara for the company to support the acceleration of regional tourism development, the vessel was ultimately deployed to serve this route.
The ship is considered technologically superior due to its use of the latest engines and systems to support passenger services. With the improving facilities at Kartini Port and the increase in ferry fleets, access to Karimunjawa is expected to become more optimal.
This strengthening of connectivity is expected to drive an increase in tourist visits to Karimunjawa. Furthermore, the rise in human mobility presents greater opportunities for the growth of economic activities for the community, both in mainland Jepara and the Karimunjawa Islands.