Passenger ships to Karimunjawa experience surge in travellers

Passenger ships serving the route from Jepara Regency port in Central Java to Karimunjawa Island have increased their schedules following a surge in travellers during the school holidays. Head of Sea Transportation at the Jepara Transportation Agency, Nur Sahid, said on Monday that the spike in trips began last weekend, with services rising from one trip per day to four. Three passenger vessels are currently in operation: two KMC Express Bahari fast boats and one KMP Feri Siginjai. The KMC Express Bahari 1C has a capacity of 349 passengers, the KMC Express Bahari 8F carries 390, and the KMP Feri Siginjai accommodates 260. A fourth vessel, the KMC Express Bahari 3C, is undergoing maintenance and cannot yet be operated. Despite this, four daily crossings are being made to meet the demand from tourists heading to Karimunjawa. Operators have been urged to prioritise passenger safety by not exceeding capacity, with officials recommending additional trips instead. Sea conditions around Jepara are currently reported to be calm and safe for crossings. Based on previous experience, the surge in visitors is expected to last until the end of the school holidays, with Karimunjawa increasingly becoming a prime destination for both local and international tourists. Karimunjawa Sub-district Head Nuril Abdillah confirmed the rise in tourist numbers, noting that motorbike rentals and accommodation are fully booked. Ferry services, which usually operate only once a day, are now running into the evening. He attributed the high number of foreign visitors to the summer season in Europe, prompting many to take extended leave and travel to Karimunjawa. To manage the influx, tourism operators have been brought together to agree on standardised package and sea tour prices to prevent price wars and ensure all parties benefit. The highest visitor numbers are typically seen on weekends, from Friday to Sunday.