PT PAL Modernises KM Umsini to Strengthen Inter-Island Connectivity
“We are ensuring that the revitalisation of KM Umsini not only restores the vessel to its original condition, but also brings technological improvements.”
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) — PT PAL Indonesia is modernising and revitalising the systems of KM Umsini to strengthen inter-island connectivity and support passenger mobility and logistics distribution in eastern Indonesia.
“We are ensuring that the revitalisation of KM Umsini not only restores the vessel to its original condition, but also brings technological improvements,” said PT PAL Production Director Diana Rosa in a statement in Surabaya, East Java, on Friday.
KM Umsini, which has a capacity of around 2,000 passengers, is a vessel owned by PT Pelni that caught fire in 2024 and has since been out of service.
PT PAL Indonesia was entrusted with the revitalisation process through Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) work to return the vessel to operational condition with optimal safety and reliability standards.
Diana said the technological upgrades to KM Umsini include the renewal of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based control system, which acts as the “brain” governing the vessel’s various operational systems.
She said the modernisation replaces part of the manual operating mechanisms with more automated systems supported by pneumatic actuators, making operations more efficient, accurate and easier to maintain.
“These improvements are expected to support the vessel’s reliability while easing maintenance throughout its operational life,” said Diana Rosa.
She also revealed that repairing KM Umsini is highly complex work, as the fire damage required the team to carry out a comprehensive assessment, reconstruct various systems and conduct a series of tests before the vessel can be declared fit for operation.
Amid the technical challenges, Rosa said PT PAL continues to accelerate the completion of the work through transformed work processes and cross-disciplinary collaboration without compromising quality.
“For PT PAL, every stage of the repair prioritises safety, reliability and comfort, so that when KM Umsini sails again, the public can enjoy an inter-island mode of transport that is safe, comfortable and meets maritime safety standards,” she said.
PT Pelni President Director Budi Setyawan Wijaya commended PT PAL’s performance in revitalising KM Umsini and expressed hope that the repair work marks a good start to strengthening long-term cooperation.
“We hope PT PAL’s role as the backbone of the national shipbuilding industry will continue to be strengthened. The repair of KM Umsini is a good beginning for reinforcing sustainable long-term cooperation,” said Budi.