Transport Minister strengthens maritime transport capacity for Eid holidays in North Maluku
The Transport Minister stated that North Maluku possesses archipelagic characteristics highly dependent on maritime transport, making the strengthening of transport service readiness critically important in preparing for Eid holiday travel.
“Therefore, the readiness of ship fleets, smooth port operations, and maritime safety oversight become primary concerns in preparing for 2026 Eid holiday transport,” the Transport Minister said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
In realising safe transport including in the region, the Transport Minister disclosed that he had conducted a coordination meeting with North Maluku’s Vice Governor Sarbin Sehe to discuss preparations for conducting 2026 Eid holiday transport in the region.
The Transport Minister emphasised that North Maluku’s characteristics as a predominantly archipelagic region make maritime transport the backbone of public mobility. Consequently, maritime transport service readiness becomes a primary concern in conducting Eid holiday transport operations.
The Transport Minister conveyed that the Ministry of Transport has prepared maritime transport support through a free travel programme and optimisation of inter-regional shipping networks in North Maluku.
For the region, the government has allocated a free maritime travel quota of 7,150 passengers or approximately 10.82 percent of the national quota.
“Which will be served through 18 shipping routes connecting important transport hubs such as Ternate, Sofifi, Jailolo, Ambon, and Manado,” he explained.
Additionally, the government has also prepared various transport infrastructure and facilities nationally, including cargo vessels and ferries, to ensure sufficient transport capacity and safe, smooth transport services throughout the Eid holiday period.
Maritime transport readiness is further strengthened with support from 15 shipping routes served by 14 cargo vessels, comprising Pelni vessels, pioneering vessels, and private vessels with capacity between 325 and 2,000 passengers.
Meanwhile, for ferry services, 29 routes are being prepared with 13 ferry vessels with capacity of approximately 50 to 400 passengers.
The Transport Minister emphasised the importance of local government support in ensuring smooth access to ports, managing passenger congestion at docks, and overseeing operations of public vessels and speedboats serving inter-island travel during the holiday migration period.
“The success of Eid holiday transport operations depends heavily on synergy among all stakeholders, including central government, local government, security apparatus, transport operators, and the public,” said the Transport Minister.