Pelni begins procurement process for three new ships funded by Rp4 trillion state capital injection
Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Persero), known as Pelni, has begun the procurement process for three new passenger ships. The project is financed through a state capital injection (PMN) of Rp4 trillion, aimed at supporting fleet regeneration and maintaining national maritime transport services.
During a meeting with Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Monday, Pelni President Director Tri Andayani stated that the company is currently in the early stages of procurement, involving contract discussions with ship design consultants.
Regarding the progress of the 2024-2025 PMN, Tri noted that the company received a letter from PT Danantara Asset Management (DAM) on 21 April 2026, expressing support for Pelni’s new ship procurement plan.
The PMN allocated to Pelni totals Rp4 trillion, comprising Rp1.5 trillion from the 2024 State Budget (APBN) to be used as a down payment for the three passenger ships, and Rp2.5 trillion from the 2025 State Budget to settle the procurement costs.
Tri explained that the procurement process is currently at the contract negotiation stage with design consultants before moving into the shipbuilding phase. Pelni aims to procure the three vessels gradually between 2026 and 2029. The first ship, intended to replace KM Umsini, is targeted to begin operations in the first half of 2029. The second ship, replacing KM Kelimutu, is expected to operate in the second half of 2029, while the third ship, replacing KM Lawit, is projected to be operational by the first half of 2030.
The total value of the procurement project for the three new ships is estimated at Rp4.5 trillion, consisting of Rp4 trillion from the PMN and Rp500 billion from the company’s internal funds.
Tri added that the PMN funds received to date are currently held in a state-owned bank while awaiting the procurement stages. As of 31 May 2026, the 2024 PMN of Rp1.5 trillion has grown to approximately Rp1.59 trillion due to interest income, while the 2025 PMN of Rp2.5 trillion has increased to approximately Rp2.53 trillion.
According to Tri, the procurement of new vessels is essential as Pelni’s fleet of 26 passenger ships is ageing, with many vessels exceeding 25 years of age or surpassing their technical and economic lifespans. “Pelni’s inability to independently finance the investment for replacing production equipment—in this case, ships—necessitates government intervention,” she said.
Pelni hopes the procurement process will proceed according to schedule so that the replacement vessels can begin operating gradually from 2029 to maintain connectivity and maritime transport services for communities across various regions of Indonesia.