Story of a Makassar mudik traveller stranded in Priok due to ship technical issues

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sea travel for mudik remains a choice for some people, despite limited schedules and technical challenges, as experienced by Imran, a mudik traveller from Makassar who was stranded at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. “Yes, from Makassar. This is my first mudik due to work,” said Imran, who works in Bangka Belitung, when met at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. He explained that his family has been living in Bangka Belitung for over a decade and routinely returns home every year. However, this journey was different as they had to wait longer due to technical issues with the ship he was supposed to board. “Yes, missed it. The ship broke down in the middle of the way,” he said. Imran was supposed to depart again for Surabaya, then Makassar, using the ship at 02.00 WIB. However, engine trouble prevented the ship from arriving on time, causing him to miss the subsequent departure schedule. He and 10 family members ended up waiting in the lounge at Tanjung Priok Port until the next schedule on 3 April 2026. “Departed on 26 March, now it’s the 28th, waiting for the ship on 3 April,” he said. The sea journey from Jakarta to Makassar is estimated to take about four days and four nights. Upon arriving in South Sulawesi, he and his family will continue to Bone and stay for about two weeks. Based on data from the Lebaran Transport Post at Tanjung Priok Port as of 28 March 2026 at 12.00 WIB, there was an increase in passenger numbers by 183.77% compared to the same period in 2025. Data from the Main Harbour Master’s and Port Authority Office (KSOP) of Tanjung Priok recorded 647 departing passengers, a sharp rise from 228 the previous year. Meanwhile, arriving passengers numbered 338, a 73.45% decrease from 1,273 in 2025. Cumulatively, the total passengers served today numbered 985. Although departures increased, the overall total passengers saw a 34.38% decline compared to 1,501 in 2025. Three ships operating today were KM Dobonsolo bound for Tanjung Perak, Surabaya; KM Salvia from Tanjung Pandan; and KM Star Belitung docked from Pangkal Balam. KM Dobonsolo carried 559 passengers with an occupancy rate of 22.5% of its total capacity of 2,481 people. The port authority has also mapped out ship arrival plans until early April. The highest projected passengers are expected on 30 March 2026 via KM Tidar, carrying 1,814 passengers from Tanjung Perak Port to Kijang. KSOP is also preparing mitigation measures for delays due to weather and technical issues by optimising waiting spaces and providing onward transport in collaboration with the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency.