Warship KRI Marlin Provides Free Transport for Holidaymakers on Makassar-Selayar Route

Makassar (ANTARA) - The Naval Regional Command VI (Kodaeral VI) has prepared the warship KRI Marlin-877 as a free transport facility for residents returning home (mudik) on the route from Makassar City to Kepulauan Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi.

Commander of Kodaeral VI, Rear Admiral TNI Andi Abdul Aziz, in Makassar on Thursday, stated that this free mudik service is a spontaneous initiative following numerous complaints received by the Navy regarding the increased demand for sea vessels to Kepulauan Selayar.

“This is a spontaneous action and not a programmed activity. If it were a programme, it would be prepared well in advance, but this is just spontaneity because there are many complaints from residents who want to mudik while sea vessels are limited, so we have prepared the warship,” said Andi Abdul Aziz.

“The Indonesian Navy is an inseparable part of the people. This free mudik is a tangible manifestation of our service to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Selayar can celebrate the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026 M moment with their families safely, comfortably, and without financial burden,” he added.

Andi Abdul Aziz acknowledged that using KRI Marlin-877 for free mudik is a concrete solution for the community amid high demand for sea transportation, as many holidaymakers have provided input seeking assistance due to transport limitations.

He also stated that the free mudik using the warship helps the police in easing land traffic congestion due to the high volume of mudik movements.

“There are many benefits to be gained, besides helping the community mudik safely and comfortably, it also assists in reducing traffic congestion due to the density of vehicles used during mudik,” he said.

The voyage using KRI Marlin-877 on the Makassar-Selayar route takes 8 hours, carrying more than 100 registered passengers.