Pelni to operate two new ships

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: State-owned shipping company PT Pelni will begin operating two luxury liners, KM Rinjani and KM Umsini, in eastern Indonesia starting next month, Antara reported.

Syamsuddin Oemar of the company's Jayapura office said the new ships were expected to help boost economic development in the region.

Starting on Jan. 19, KM Rinjani would sail a route between Surabaya's Tanjung Perak Port and Jayapura with stops at Ujungpandang, Baubau, Ambon, Banda, Tual, Fakfak, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, and Serui. Each trip would take two weeks.

KM Umsini, also sailing between Surabaya and Jayapura, would make port calls at Ujungpandang, Balikpapan, Kwandang, Bitung, Ternate, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, and Serui. Its maiden voyage for Pelni would start on Jan. 26.

The currently operating KM Dobonsolo and KM Ceremai would maintain their schedules in eastern Indonesia, while the schedule for KM Tatamailau would be altered. (swe)