Sea Vessels Emerge as Preferred Choice for Homecoming Travellers Due to Cheap Fares, Observers Propose Free Tickets During Eid
JAKARTA — Sea vessels remain one of the favoured modes of transport chosen by the public for homecoming during Eid celebrations. Despite journey times that can take several days, many travellers continue to select sea transport because ticket prices are significantly more affordable compared to other modes of transport.
One traveller named Yuki, 28, purchased a ticket on PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) from Tanjung Priok Harbour to his hometown of Baubau, South-East Sulawesi, for less than Rp 1 million. Yuki also admitted to being afraid of flying, despite its considerably faster duration. Working as a ship crew member, he felt more comfortable returning home by sea despite having to undertake a three-day, three-night journey from Jakarta to Baubau.
Another passenger, Lajumani, 50, also expressed no objection to waiting several days for ship departure schedules due to the significantly cheaper fares. “The Pelni ticket costs Rp 312,000 from Tanjung Priok to Batam,” she said. However, on this year’s journey to Batam, Lajumani had to transit at Tanjung Priok Harbour for several days because no direct shipping route from Ambon to Batam was available, forcing her to wait for the next ship’s departure schedule.
Observer Djoko praised the government’s efforts in providing affordable sea transport during peak travel periods. “We should appreciate the government because whilst aeroplane tickets are expensive, sea vessels can provide convenience for lower-middle-class homecoming travellers,” Djoko said when contacted by Kompas.com on Thursday.
Djoko noted that a free sea transport homecoming programme has been operated by the government since 2024, serving 18 travel routes to various regions across Indonesia. He stated that the programme needs to be continuously developed to help communities maintain their homecoming traditions amid economic constraints.
He even suggested that sea vessels be made free during specific periods such as Eid, Christmas, and New Year. “I believe during times like Eid or the Christmas and New Year period, vessels should be made free because people need them according to their respective regions,” he added.
Djoko also assessed that the central government could adopt the policy of the regional government in Maluku, which has already provided free sea transport services for the public during Eid and the Christmas-New Year period. This was considered important because island regions are heavily dependent on sea transport. “Similarly in North Maluku, when the Christmas-New Year period comes around it is made free, demonstrating the state’s presence when the public needs cheap transport,” he said.
“Sea vessels are different from buses; there are many terminal buses and they are available at any time, especially during the homecoming season,” he explained.