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Pelni
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Pelni (abbreviation of Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia, lit. 'Indonesian National Shipping') is the national cargo and passenger shipping company of Indonesia. Its services network spans across the Indonesian archipelago. Mainly serving as connector between bigger cities and to remote islands, Pelni plays an important role in the Indonesian transport system.[1]
Pelni is one of the few remaining economy-class long-distance passenger ship operators. Most of the world's well-known passenger ship companies have stopped their low-budget passenger services since the 1960s due to shifting trends towards air transport. Pelni's ability to survive is mostly due to monopolies on certain routes and government of Indonesia subsidies.
History
[edit]
Under the Dutch colonial rule, Indonesian inter-islands transportation was dominated by Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM), founded in 1888. KPM headquarter was in Amsterdam, but daily operations were controlled from Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Jakarta).
As a newly independent republic in the late 1940s, Indonesian government decided to nationalize Dutch-owned companies. The Dutch refused to give away KPM, due to its strong position as a connector of the Indonesian archipelago. KPM also played an important role in transporting Dutch logistics and military supplies during the Indonesian National Revolution.
In response to Dutch refusal, on September 5, 1950, Indonesia founded PEPUSKA (Yayasan Penguasaan Pusat Kapal-kapal, Centrally-controlled Ships Foundation) that operates 8 ships with a total size of 4.800 Deadweight tonnage. However, due to a lack of experience and capital, PEPUSKA failed to takeover KPM's monopoly.
On April 28, 1952, PEPUSKA was dissolved. Pelni (now as a company, not a foundation) was founded on the same day, with the same fleet. To bring more power, Indonesian Eximbank provided funding to buy 45 new coaster ships from western European countries. While waiting for these new ships to be produced, Pelni rented various ships from many countries across the world. Pelni also used ships looted from Japan in World War 2.[2] These strategies proved successful, as KPM suffered from declining market share and strike workers led by Sukarno's leftist doctrine. KPM discontinued its Indonesian operation on December 3, 1957.[3]
Pelni achieved its golden era during the early 1980s to late 1990s. Under Suharto’s presidency with his Transmigration program, Pelni was the main transport to move people from Java and Sumatra to eastern regions of Indonesia, because air transport facilities were still underdeveloped.[4]
Pelni started to suffer in the 2000s, as air travel became cheaper.[5] Some of its old ships even failed to sell to third parties, and maintaining these ships was expensive. KM Kambuna (renamed KRI Tanjung Nusanive (973)) and KM Rinjani (renamed KRI Tanjung Fatagar (974)) was granted to the Indonesian Navy in 2004.[6] KM Kerinci was sold in 2014.[7] KFC Jetliner was rented to the Sri Lankan Navy between 2009 and 2012.[8] As of 2017, no party is interested to buy KM Ganda Dewata (Ro-ro ship) even as scrap.[9]
Pelni started to reform its services and management since 2012, by focusing more on tourism and cargo market, alongside improving its current low-budget passenger services. Pelni began to book positive earnings since 2014.[10]
Ships and services
[edit]Passenger ships
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
Pelni's passenger ships are also a major branding feature of Pelni: large yellow funnel with red-and-white strips and Pelni logo.[11] Pelni painted its ships with white color on the upper side of ships and crimson on the lower side. Its reddish lifeboats are also easily recognised from distances.
Most of these passenger ships (excluding KM Egon, KM Ganda Dewata & KFC Jetliner) were built by Meyer Werft, a major German shipyard well known as luxury passenger ships builder.[12] Due to this, some considered Pelni's ships 'too good' by Indonesian standards, even after designed & built as economy-class passenger ships by default.[13] As of August 12, 2017, no Meyer-built Pelni ship has ever sunk. However, these high-standard ships were not enjoyed by passengers, especially prior to 2014, because of harsh treatment by passengers and the crew itself. Most of the problems come from illegal passengers, which at least until April 24, 2019 are still frequently found.[14]

Since 2014 onwards, some improvements have been made. Online booking was made available, but still limited to payment via Bank Rakyat Indonesia's ATM and Indomaret store. Credit card payment is still not possible. Toilet facilities were improved, and 2-pin electric sockets were installed. GSM & GPRS networks on Pelni ships are provided by telkomsel. However, passenger management is still troublesome, mainly because most of Indonesian seaport's passenger terminals (operated by Indonesia Port Corporations) are not sterile from illegal visitors.[15]
Below is a list of Pelni's Passenger Ships. All of these ships (excluding KFC Jetliner) were named after mountains in Indonesia. KM Tatamailau however, is named after Mt. Tatamailau in East Timor. KM is an abbreviation of 'Kapal Mesin', meaning Motor Vessel (MV) and KFC is an abbreviation of 'Kapal Ferry Cepat', meaning Fast Ferry Ship.
Current Ships(as of January 2025)
[edit]Facilities
[edit]- One single bed per passenger, but shared space with others and no barriers between beds.
- 2-pin electric plugs per bed (low voltage, for mobile phones only)
- Shared bathrooms & toilets with hot and cold water
- Three standard meals a day
- Hot water for making drinks
- Musalla
- Cafeteria
- Shop
- Smoking area
- GSM and GPRS network by Telkomsel
- Clinic
Facilities (KM Kelud only)
[edit]KM Kelud (serving Jakarta-Batam-Tanjung Balai Karimun-Medan) is the ship with most complete facilities:
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi (paid)
- Mini cinema
- Alfamart and Pelnimart store
- Gym
- Live music
KM Kelud also provides first- and 2nd-class service in addition to economy-class services, with double bedroom and four single-bedroom options, with television and better food menus.
However, not all of those facilities are always available. Some passengers wrote that access to some of those, such as mini-cinema and gym were blocked by the crew.[20] Some facilities, especially the toilets, are in poor condition.[21] The ships are also often overcrowded by illegal passengers, especially after embarking from smaller ports where security is lax.[22]
Tourism services
[edit]
In addition to regular passenger routes, Pelni provides tourism packages to various islands. Pelni introduces live-on-board concept, where Pelni ships will pick up passengers in hub ports (such as Semarang or Sorong), sail to destined tourist attraction, stay there as 'floating hotel' while passengers enjoying the tourism packages in nearby islands, and then return to hub port. For 2017, the tourism packages are:[23]
- Karimunjava Islands (depart from Semarang)
- Raja Ampat Islands (from Sorong)
- Derawan Islands (from Balikpapan)
- Wakatobi National Park (from Baubau)
- Komodo National Park (from Labuan Bajo)
- Banda Neira (from Ambon)
On 23 June 2019, Pelni launched a new tourism service with KLM (Kapal Layar Mesin/Motor Sail Ship) Pelita Arunika, a pinisi ship. Built by a traditional shipbuilder in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, it serves tourists in Labuan Bajo.[24]
Cargo ships
[edit]Source:[25]
- KM Caraka Jaya Niaga III-4
- KM Caraka Jaya Niaga III-2
- KM Caraka Jaya Niaga III-32
- KM Logistik Nusantara 1
- KM Logistik Nusantara 2
- KM Logistik Nusantara 3
- KM Logistik Nusantara 4
- KM Logistik Nusantara 5
Other ships
[edit]
Tol Laut ships
[edit]Tol Laut (literally "Sea Toll (Road)" or "Sea Highway") is a maritime program by President Joko Widodo to improve the Indonesian logistic system through providing routine and subsidized cargo sailing across Indonesia. As of 2019, Pelni operated 7 cargo ships for this purpose.[25][26]
Cattle ship
[edit]Pelni operated one cattle ship, KM Camara Nusantara I, to transport cattle produced by farmers in Lesser Sunda Islands to Java.[26][27]
Perintis ships
[edit]Source:[25]
Perintis (pioneer) services are routes served by smaller ships (below 500 passengers) connecting smaller islands to regional cities. these services are subsidized by the Government of Indonesia. It is intended to increase accessibility and decrease logistic cost among small islands. These routes are less regular than those served by the main passenger ships, thus online ticket booking is not available. Tickets can be bought at the port of departure or its nearest branch offices. Perintis schedules can also be accessed through Pelni call center and social media upon request.[28] As of 2019, Pelni owned and operated 53 perintis ships, serving 46 routes.[25]
International routes
[edit]During the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, Pelni served the port of Dili,[29] which stopped after 1999. In 2000, Pelni also served the Bitung-Davao (Philippines) route for a short period.[30]
Incidents and accidents
[edit]- On January 27, 1981, Pelni's ship KMP Tampomas II was burned and sank near Masalembu Islands in the Java Sea while sailing from Port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta to Makassar. This ship was built in 1956 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was planned to be scrapped but was sold to Pelni instead. Officials reported 431 people were killed.[31] Iwan Fals and Ebiet G. Ade wrote songs about the sinking.[32][33]
- In the mid 1990s, KM Kerinci accidentally ran aground in the Banyur Padang Bay Area due to strong currents, causing her to list to her port side. She was repaired in neighboring countries while the route she was operating was temporarily replaced by KM Lambelu.
- On April 6, 2011, KM Fudi rolled over while being repaired in PT. PAL shipyard in Surabaya. Due to lack of funds, Pelni & PAL decided to abandon the ship and allowed Yala Gada, a cooperative from Indonesian Navy to scrap her on March 15, 2016.[34]
- On June 9, 2024, a fire broke out on the KM Umsini while docked in Makassar Port. The source of the fire is believed to have originated from a spark from an auxiliary motor in the engine room. It was extinguished and there were no casualties.[35]
Gallery
[edit]-
Map of KM Dorolonda
-
Gyro Stabilized Antenna by Telkom Indonesia in KM Dorolonda. Now every Pelni Ships provided GSM and GPRS network by Telkom's subsidiaries, Telkomsel
-
KM Gunung Dempo unloading cargo and passenger at port of Ambon.
-
Breakfast menu at KM Gunung Dempo
-
Pelni's ship being used to transport Javanese people to Papua by New Order's controversial Transmigration Program
-
KM Tilong Kabila
-
KM Sinabung
-
KM Sinabung disembarking passangers at Bitung Northern Sulawesi
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Nasional Indonesia, Pelayaran (March 21, 2016). "Profil Perusahaan". Situs Resmi PT. Pelni. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
- ^ "Situs Resmi PT.PELNI (Persero) -". www.pelni.co.id. Archived from the original on 2017-08-14. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Swiggum, Sue. "Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij 1888-1967". www.theshipslist.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Taufik. "PT. PELNI OPERASIKAN KAPAL TIDAK SESUAI PERUNTUKANNYA". intelijenpost.com. Archived from the original on 2017-08-14. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Upaya Pelni Keluar dari Kubangan Kehancuran | SWA.co.id". SWA.co.id. 2004-12-09. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "KRI Tanjung Nusanive 973: eks Kapal Pelni dengan Kanon PSU Rheinmetall 20mm – Indomiliter.com". www.indomiliter.com. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Pelni Jual KM Kerinci Rp26,5 Miliar". SINDOnews.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "5 Fakta Mengenai KFC Jetliner Rute Labuan Bajo - Makassar". Phinemo. 2016-08-02. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ DotNet, Terupdate. "Jadwal Kapal Sinabung Terbaru". Terupdate. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
- ^ "Makin Kinclong, Pelni 2014 Raup Laba Rp4,3 miliar". Berita Trans. 2015-02-24. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: MEYER WERFT - Passenger ships for Indonesia. YouTube.
- ^ Chandra, Ardan Adhi (2017-06-12). "Pelni Kaji Pengadaan Kapal Buatan Jerman". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ "Pelni Akui Masih Temukan Penumpang Ilegal | Berita Terbaru - Harian Ekonomi & Bisnis di Papua - www.bisnis-papua.com - saatnya berpikir ekonomi". Berita Terbaru - Harian Ekonomi & Bisnis di Papua - www.bisnis-papua.com - saatnya berpikir ekonomi. 2019-04-24. Archived from the original on 2020-07-17. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Hatta, Arif (2014-04-06). "Transformasi Bisnis Pelni". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Aswara, Dani (2025-01-22). "Pelni Modifikasi Rute 11 Kapal Penumpang untuk 2025". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Hesti, Wa Ode (2024-12-22). "Polisi Amankan Kedatangan KM Leuser dengan Memeriksa Barang dan Penumpang di Panggulubelo Wakatobi". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Santiago, M Sharif (2021-10-08). "Pelabuhan Bungkutoto Kendari". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Assagaf, Iga Almira Rugaya (2024-06-28). "Jadwal Kapal Ternate - Tual dengan KM Tatamailau Berangkat 13 Juli 2024, Beli Tiket di Sini". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ "perjalanan dengan km kelud – rosegevariel". rosegevariel.wordpress.com. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Dharmaningtyas: Pelayanan Kapal Pelni Masih Memprihatinkan". Archived from the original on 2020-09-30. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Media, Kompas Cyber. "Muatan Kapal Lebihi Kapasitas, Ratusan Penumpang di Makassar Terpaksa Diturunkan - Kompas.com". KOMPAS.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Pelni Tawarkan Paket Destinasi Menarik di 2017 | Pesona Indonesia". pesona.indonesia.travel. Archived from the original on 2017-08-14. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "PT. Pelni (Persero) Luncurkan KLM Pelita Arunika di Labuan Bajo". infopublik.id (in Indonesian). 24 July 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ a b c d Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Persero), PT (2020). Laporan Tahunan PELNI 2019. Jakarta: PT PELNI. p. 82.
- ^ a b "Situs Resmi PT.PELNI (Persero) -". www.pelni.co.id. Archived from the original on 2017-08-14. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ "Lima Kleder 'Kawal' 500 Sapi dalam Pelayaran KM Camara Nusantara I". Berita Trans. 2016-11-28. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia, PT (1 December 2020). "Pelni162".
- ^ Kompasiana.com (2018-07-17). "Memori di Kota Dili, Menyembuhkan Luka dan Merajut Damai". KOMPASIANA (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2020-12-01.
- ^ Media, Kompas Cyber (2 August 2012). "Kapal Cepat Layari Sulut-Filipina". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2020-12-01.
- ^ Juliati, Sri (2017-05-20). "36 Tahun Lalu, KMP Tampomas II Terbakar di Masalembo, Ada Penumpang Nyanyikan Salam Perpisahan". Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ Sudrajat. "Bencana Galunggung, Tampomas dan Bintaro dalam Lagu Ebiet G Ade". detikhot. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Jitunews.com. "Trauma Masalembo". Jitunews.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
- ^ Expost Name (March 15, 2016). "Syahbandar awasi Koperasi TNI AL potong bangkai KM Fudi". Expost News. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
- ^ "KM Umsini Alami Insiden di Makassar, Tidak Ada Korban Jiwa". 2024-06-09. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
External links
[edit]- Pelni Archived 2022-06-21 at the Wayback Machine – official site
- Online schedule of all Pelni ships available here Archived 2014-11-07 at the Wayback Machine
- Travels on Pelni, (PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia) Archived 2014-01-06 at the Wayback Machine – review of a voyage on KM Kelud by Jonathan Boonzaier in Maritime Matters
- YouTube- Making of KM Lambelu in Meyer Werft
- Pelni Schedule - The Sheep Schedule for Pelni
Pelni
View on GrokipediaPT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Persero), commonly abbreviated as PT PELNI, is the Indonesian state-owned enterprise specializing in maritime transportation, operating a fleet of passenger ships, fast ferries, and cargo vessels that connect over 90 ports across the nation's archipelago.[1][2] Established on 28 February 1952 through ministerial decrees to assume routes previously dominated by the Dutch shipping firm KPM and to bolster national shipping under the Indonesian flag, PT PELNI began operations with eight vessels totaling 4,800 deadweight tons acquired from the PEPUSKA Foundation.[3] Its corporate status evolved from a limited liability company to a state-owned enterprise (Perusahaan Negara or PN) in 1961 and back to a Persero (PT with state majority ownership) in 1975, reflecting adaptations to support Indonesia's growing maritime needs, including expansions via imported coasters from Europe and reparations ships from Japan.[3] As a cornerstone of inter-island logistics, PT PELNI facilitates the movement of passengers, containerized goods, vehicles, and bulk cargo, while also offering ancillary services such as vessel agency and maritime tourism, thereby enhancing economic connectivity in one of the world's largest archipelagic states.[2]
History
Founding and Nationalization (1952–1960s)
PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) was established as a state-owned enterprise to assert Indonesian control over domestic maritime transport amid post-independence efforts to reduce foreign dominance, particularly from the Dutch Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM). The precursor, Yayasan Penguasaan Pusat Kapal-kapal (PEPUSKA), was founded on September 5, 1950, through a joint decree by the Ministers of Transportation and Public Works, in response to the Dutch government's refusal to alter KPM's status or fly the Indonesian flag on its vessels operating inter-island routes. PEPUSKA managed an initial fleet of eight ships totaling 4,800 deadweight tons (DWT), which served as the foundational assets for the subsequent company.[3] Pelni itself was formally created on February 28, 1952, via Ministerial Decree No. M.2/1/2, with further ratification on April 19, 1952, under Decree No. A.2/1/2, and official announcement in State Gazette No. 50 on June 20, 1952. PEPUSKA was dissolved on April 28, 1952, transferring its fleet and operations directly to Pelni, which operated as a limited liability company under the Wilopo Cabinet to compete with and eventually supplant KPM's network. R. Ma'moen Soemadipraja was appointed as the first president director, serving from 1952 to 1955. Initial capital was supplemented by importing 45 coasters from Western Europe using funds from the Import-Export Bank, alongside temporary charters of foreign vessels and later acquisitions of ships as Japanese war reparations, enabling Pelni to expand beyond the modest starting fleet.[3] Nationalization efforts intensified in the late 1950s as part of broader economic decolonization, culminating in KPM discontinuing its Indonesian operations on December 3, 1957, following unilateral abrogation of agreements like the 1956 Round Table Conference accords. Pelni absorbed KPM's routes and assumed a monopoly-like role in inter-island shipping, though operational inefficiencies emerged, with productivity by 1960 roughly half of KPM's pre-nationalization levels due to management challenges and fleet maintenance issues. In 1961, Pelni's status was elevated to Perusahaan Negara (PN), a full state corporation, as announced in State Gazette No. LN 1961, solidifying its position as the national shipping authority during the early Guided Democracy period under President Sukarno. This transition marked the effective nationalization of foreign maritime infrastructure, prioritizing Indonesian sovereignty over prior colonial-era efficiencies.[3][4]Expansion and State Monopoly Era (1970s–1990s)
In 1975, PT Pelni underwent a structural transformation from a state-owned enterprise (Perusahaan Negara, or PN) to a limited liability company (Perseroan Terbatas, or PT), formalized under Establishment Deed No. 31 dated October 30, 1975, and published in the Republic of Indonesia State Gazette No. 562 of 1976 with Supplement No. 60 dated June 27, 1976.[3] This change aligned with broader New Order government efforts to corporatize state entities while retaining full ownership, enabling Pelni to expand its role in inter-island connectivity amid Indonesia's Repelita (Rencana Pembangunan Lima Tahun) development plans, which emphasized infrastructure and resource distribution to outer islands.[3] As the designated national carrier for scheduled passenger and government cargo services, Pelni operated with de facto exclusivity on major liner routes, benefiting from regulatory protections that limited private competition in core domestic segments.[5] Fleet modernization accelerated in the 1980s, with Pelni procuring pure passenger vessels to replace aging tonnage and meet rising demand from population mobility and economic growth. Starting in 1983, the company imported five large ferries—KM Awu, Watampone, Watudambo, Warisano, Wakolo, and Wandebori—built by Jos. L. Meyer shipyard in Germany, each accommodating approximately 2,000 passengers; these formed part of a 16-unit package delivered progressively through 1996.[6] [5] By the mid-1980s, Pelni's network spanned dozens of ports nationwide, prioritizing trunk lines that linked Java to eastern provinces, though operations faced challenges like port inefficiencies and maintenance backlogs typical of state monopolies reliant on subsidized financing.[5] This expansion supported national integration policies, including logistics for resource extraction in regions like Sulawesi and Papua, where Pelni's scheduled sailings provided essential links absent from private operators.[5] The 1990s marked operational consolidation, exemplified by the June 17, 1993, inauguration of KM Ciremai by President Suharto at Cirebon port, underscoring Pelni's symbolic and practical importance in maritime sovereignty.[6] Amendments to the articles of association via Deed No. 22 on March 4, 1998—published in State Gazette No. 31 of April 16, 1999, Supplement No. 2203—further refined governance amid fiscal pressures from the Asian financial crisis, yet Pelni retained its monopoly-like status in subsidized pioneer routes until liberalization pressures emerged later.[3] Overall, the era saw Pelni's fleet grow to over 50 vessels by the late 1990s, handling millions of passengers annually and reinforcing state control over domestic shipping, though efficiency critiques from international observers highlighted over-reliance on government directives over market dynamics.[5]Reforms and Modern Challenges (2000s–Present)
In the 2000s, PT Pelni encountered declining fleet utilization rates for passenger ferries, attributed to competition from cheaper air travel and maintenance costs for aging vessels, prompting initial restructuring efforts under Indonesia's broader state-owned enterprise reforms.[7] By the 2010s, the company launched transformation programs aimed at market expansion, cost efficiency improvements, and technological upgrades to achieve higher growth, including digital initiatives in logistics subsidiaries.[8][9] These reforms involved route optimizations and fleet modifications, such as adjustments announced for eleven passenger ships in 2025 to enhance connectivity in remote areas.[10] Fleet modernization accelerated in the late 2010s and 2020s, with the overhaul of vessels like KM Kelud in 2023 marking the start of a broader revamp program for up to 25 ships, focusing on business model updates, service enhancements, and logo rebranding to signal renewed operational focus.[11] PT Pelni also integrated into Indonesia's sea toll program, deploying ships to expedite essential goods distribution and narrow price disparities between western and eastern regions, though challenges persist in infrastructure limitations and vessel capacity for eastern routes.[12][13] The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated financial pressures in 2020, necessitating operational adjustments, reduced capacities, and refocused strategies amid sharp drops in passenger volumes.[14] Contemporary challenges include operational hurdles in underserved ports, such as limited security and supply chain disruptions, alongside proposals for merging PT Pelni with ASDP and Pelindo in 2025, which face criticism for asymmetrical business models and potential integration inefficiencies.[15] Sustainability efforts have gained prominence, with 2024 reports emphasizing environmental compliance in fleet operations and connectivity services across Indonesia's archipelago.[16] Financial performance has shown variability, with consolidated statements reflecting asset management issues and pandemic recovery, though specific metrics underscore ongoing needs for efficiency amid state oversight.[17]Operations and Services
Passenger Transportation
PT Pelni (Persero) operates 25 passenger vessels that provide inter-island ferry services connecting major ports and remote locations across Indonesia's archipelago, facilitating access to areas underserved by air or road transport.[10] These ships serve 511 segments encompassing 1,359 routes and make stops at 74 ports, with schedules adjusted periodically to accommodate demand fluctuations and operational needs.[18] In 2024, the company transported a total of 5,095,306 passengers, reflecting its role in supporting national mobility, particularly during peak periods such as Eid al-Fitr homecoming when daily figures can exceed 25,000.[19][20] Accommodations on Pelni vessels typically include economy class seating and berths for long-haul voyages, with provisions for meals such as standardized breakfast and dinner rations distributed via cards to ensure equitable access.[21] First-class and VIP options offer enhanced comfort with private cabins, while all classes adhere to health protocols including onboard medical staff and facilities.[22] Tickets are categorized by age—infants under 24 months, children, and adults—with bookings available through official channels like call centers (162 or WhatsApp 0811-162-1-162) to manage high-volume sales during holidays.[23][24] Services emphasize reliability for essential travel, including pioneer routes to isolated eastern Indonesian ports, where ships like the KM Dorolonda and KM Gunung Dempo handle mixed passenger loads amid varying port infrastructure.[10] Passenger volumes surge during seasonal migrations, as seen in June 2025 when bookings reached 197,625 for end-of-month travel, prompting route optimizations for eleven vessels to maintain service continuity.[18] Despite challenges like overcrowding at smaller harbors, Pelni enforces boarding protocols and provides onboard amenities such as GSM/GPRS connectivity via partnerships with Telkomsel.[20]Cargo and Logistics Operations
PT Pelni (Persero) operates cargo and logistics services to facilitate inter-island transportation of goods across Indonesia's archipelago, handling dry and reefer containers, general cargo, vehicles, and packaged goods, often in conjunction with its passenger fleet.[25] These operations support national supply chains by connecting major hubs like Tanjung Priok to remote ports, with commercial cargo vessels available for lease under voyage or time charter agreements.[26] Pelni's logistics subsidiary, PT PBM Sarana Bandar Nasional (Pelni Logistics), established in 1986, provides integrated services including freight forwarding, supply chain management, and port handling to enhance end-to-end efficiency.[27][28] A core component involves dedicated cargo vessels, including approximately 7 commercial ships and 5-8 Sea Toll freight vessels, alongside 1 specialized cattle carrier, enabling bulk and containerized shipments to underserved regions.[25] Pelni participates in the government-backed Sea Toll program, initiated in 2015 to subsidize maritime logistics, reduce regional price disparities, and lower costs by operating routes such as T-2 (Tanjung Priok to eastern islands) with ships like KM Logistik Nusantara 4, which has a 115 TEU capacity.[29][30] In 2021, Sea Toll operations transported 12,639 TEUs, reflecting growth from prior years, with a 70% increase in early 2021 volumes compared to 2020 and a 300% surge in container cargo during the first semester of 2020.[31][32] Partnerships bolster these efforts, such as collaborations with Pos Indonesia for sea-based parcel delivery since August 2024 and Temas Shipping for 2025 Sea Toll routes, ensuring reliable distribution of essentials like food and fuel to outer islands.[33][34] Pelni's shipping agency services further streamline cargo handling by managing port permits, anchorage, and coordination for third-party vessels, prioritizing operational efficiency in high-volume areas like Medan.[35][36]Feeder and Pioneer Connectivity
Pelni's pioneer routes primarily serve Indonesia's underdeveloped, frontier, isolated, and outermost (3TP) regions, providing subsidized maritime access for passengers and essential goods where private operators deem operations unprofitable. These services operate on approximately 42 routes, enabling connectivity across hundreds of small ports that lack alternative transport infrastructure.[37][38] Vessels on these routes typically handle mixed passenger-cargo loads, docking at over 230 ports and covering 522 segments to support population mobility and basic logistics in eastern Indonesia and other peripheral archipelagic zones.[18] In integration with the national Sea Toll Program (Tol Laut), Pelni's pioneer vessels function as feeder lines, bridging smaller collector ports to major hubs and mainline routes for onward distribution. This model synchronizes arrivals with sea toll ships to minimize delays in remote areas, such as Maluku, where pioneer scheduling aligns with larger container vessels for efficient freight handover.[39] For example, Pelni distributes subsidized cargo—including staples and construction materials—to pioneer destinations like Sabu, Rote, Wini, Atapupu, and Calabai, reducing price disparities between Java and outer islands by up to 20-30% in targeted commodities.[40][41] The feeder-pioneer framework, formalized under government directives since 2016, assigns Pelni management of dedicated ships—initially 52 vessels—for these non-commercial stretches, emphasizing reliability over profitability through state subsidies covering fuel and operational shortfalls.[42] This approach has transported over 22,000 TEUs of sea toll cargo to 3TP zones in recent years, though challenges persist, including scheduling inefficiencies and vessel capacity limits in high-demand routes.[43] Empirical data from program evaluations indicate improved access but highlight needs for better inter-ship coordination to avoid bottlenecks at feeder handoff points.[44]International and Specialized Routes
PT Pelni (Persero) does not operate regular international passenger or cargo routes, with its services confined to over 90 ports within Indonesian territory.[45] The company's shipping agency division provides support for foreign vessels entering Indonesian waters, including port administration, coordination with authorities, and logistical assistance, but this does not extend to Pelni-owned ships conducting voyages abroad.[36] Specialized routes operated by Pelni include a dedicated livestock transportation service, designed to facilitate the movement of cattle and other animals to meet demand spikes, such as prior to Eid al-Adha celebrations.[46] This route complements the broader Sea Toll program but focuses specifically on perishable and live cargo requirements, utilizing appropriate vessels to ensure timely delivery to eastern Indonesian regions.[47] As of 2024, this specialized operation supports national food security by integrating with domestic logistics networks, though it remains subordinate to core passenger and general cargo services.[48]Fleet Composition
Passenger Vessels
PT Pelni operates 25 passenger vessels as of 2025, providing essential inter-island transportation across Indonesia's archipelago. These ships, with a total capacity of 48,323 seats, are designed as multi-purpose vessels combining passenger cabins, economy class accommodations, and cargo holds to support both human mobility and goods distribution in remote areas.[49] The fleet primarily consists of "2-in-1" ships and multi-purpose passenger ships, enabling efficient operations on routes spanning from Sumatra to Papua.[50] Prominent vessels include KM Dorolonda, measuring 146.5 meters in length and 23 meters in width, with a maximum passenger capacity of 2,000, serving eastern Indonesian ports such as Waren.[51] Other key ships encompass KM Awu, KM Binaiya, KM Bukit Raya, KM Egon, KM Kelimutu, KM Lawit, KM Leuser, KM Sirimau, and KM Tatamailau, which collectively handle regular liner services visiting up to 74 ports annually.[52] [53] Many of these vessels feature gross tonnages around 6,000 GT and include facilities like economy class dining and basic amenities, though onboard conditions vary by ship age and maintenance.[54] The fleet supports public service obligations, with operations covering 511 segments and 1,359 routes in 2025, emphasizing connectivity to underserved regions despite challenges from aging infrastructure in some units.[53] Passenger vessels like KM Lambelu, with a length overall of 136.03 meters and beam of 23.7 meters, exemplify the standard dimensions for stability in open seas.[55] Efforts to modernize include route adjustments and capacity enhancements to meet peak demands, such as during Eid travel periods.[49] ![Breakfast menu at KM Gunung Dempo][center] Basic provisioning, including standardized meals like those served on KM Gunung Dempo, underscores the utilitarian focus of Pelni's passenger services tailored for long-haul voyages.[2]Cargo and Logistics Vessels
PT Pelni operates a specialized fleet of cargo and logistics vessels to facilitate inter-island goods distribution, emphasizing containerized freight, general cargo, and bulk commodities under government programs like Tol Laut, which aims to equalize essential goods prices across Indonesia's archipelago. This fleet complements passenger services by prioritizing dedicated cargo capacity, with vessels supporting dry containers, reefer units, project cargo, and livestock transport. As of 2023, the logistics fleet comprises 5 Sea Toll freight ships, 7 commercial cargo ships, and 1 cattle carrier, enabling charters via voyage or time charter agreements for private operators.[25][26] The Sea Toll freight ships, primarily from the KM Logistik Nusantara series, focus on subsidized routes to underserved eastern and remote ports, carrying up to 125 TEUs per vessel including reefer slots for perishables. KM Logistik Nusantara 4, for example, handles 115 TEUs on Trayek T-2 from Tanjung Priok via Tanjung Uban to regional hubs, resuming operations in 2025 after docking. KM Logistik Nusantara 3 operates Trayek T-15 from Tg. Perak to Makassar, Jailolo, Morotai, and Tg. Silver, with loading capacities of 125 TEUs and 7 reefer TEUs via onboard cranes. Other units like KM Logistik Nusantara 2, 5, and 6 similarly support these missions, transporting basic commodities to mitigate regional price gaps.[56][57] Commercial cargo vessels handle versatile loads such as bagged general cargo, dry bulk (e.g., coal, fertilizer), and project items, often leased to third parties. The 7 ships in this category include older multi-purpose units like the KM Caraka Jaya Niaga series; in 2023, Pelni offered three for sale starting at IDR 6 billion each, including KM Caraka Jaya Niaga III-4 with specifications suited for general freight. These vessels enable flexible operations beyond subsidized routes, including tug-and-barge combinations for heavier loads.[58][59] The single cattle carrier addresses livestock logistics, transporting live animals to support agricultural supply chains in isolated islands. While exact names and capacities for this vessel are not publicly detailed in fleet overviews, it integrates with Pelni's broader logistics subsidiary, PT Pelni Logistics (formerly PT Sarana Bandar Nasional), which coordinates container, vehicle, and package shipments across over 90 ports. Fleet modernization efforts, including potential acquisitions of second-hand containerships, aim to enhance efficiency amid rising demand, though sales of aging units signal ongoing rationalization.[25][60]| Vessel Type | Number | Key Features/Capacity | Example Ships/Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Toll Freight | 5 | 115–125 TEUs, reefer slots, crane-equipped | KM Logistik Nusantara 3 (T-15), 4 (T-2) |
| Commercial Cargo | 7 | General/project cargo, bulk, charterable | KM Caraka Jaya Niaga series |
| Cattle Carrier | 1 | Livestock transport | Not specified publicly |