Pelni Predicts Reduced Passenger Numbers for 2024 Eid Homecoming

PT Pelni (Persero), Indonesia's national shipping company, predicts that the number of passengers using its ships during the 2024 Eid al-Fitr homecoming (mudik) and return periods will reach 588,903.

This projection is approximately 6.8% lower than last year's Eid al-Fitr homecoming passenger count of 632,155.

PT Pelni's President Director, Tri Andayani, attributed the decrease to a reduction in the number of pioneer ships in operation, from 43 routes in 2023 to 30 routes this year.

"However, this will not affect our focus on providing service and prioritizing maritime safety," Tri stated during a press conference on sea transportation for Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijriah in Jakarta, as reported by Antara on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

She also explained that Pelni's homecoming sea transportation operations will commence 15 days before Eid al-Fitr (March 26, 2024) and conclude 15 days after Eid al-Fitr (April 26, 2024).

Pelni predicts the busiest departures this year will be from Makassar, Balikpapan, Ambon, Baubau, and Surabaya.

Meanwhile, the busiest arrivals are expected in Surabaya, Makassar, Baubau, Ambon, and Balikpapan.

To manage this year's homecoming season, Pelni has prepared 56 vessels, comprising 26 passenger ships and 30 pioneer ships, with a total carrying capacity of 62,689 seats.

"Passenger ships serve 72 ports across Indonesia, while pioneer ships serve 273 ports in remote, outermost, and border areas," Tri said.

All Pelni passenger ships are also equipped with 72,816 life jackets, 1,794 life rafts with a total capacity of 44,850 people, and 226 lifeboats with a capacity of 25,805 people.