Encourage Pelni To Improve Regional Connectivity

Dok/BKIP Kemenhub

Encourage Pelni To Improve Regional Connectivity

Monday, 05 Aug 2024

I hope that Pelni can improve inter-island connectivity as a form of the country's presence in providing sea transportation modes, so as to create cost efficiency of sea transportation modes from 3TP islands to larger port cities," said the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister conveyed that the 3TP region has always been a priority for the country. This year, the government provided a subsidy of Rp 4.1 trillion for pioneer transportation, with Rp. 1.87 trillion for sea pioneer transportation. It is hoped that this can provide better pioneer services to the public. Currently, Pelni has 26 passenger ships and operates 30 pioneer ships.

"We hope that Pelni takes this task seriously and to the maximum. As a country, we have to compete with other archipelagic countries. Our logistics competitiveness index must be improved, including the performance of Pelni," said the Minister.

Therefore, the Minister asked Pelni to continue to evaluate and improve. Two things highlighted by the Minister are the improvement of human resources (HR) and fuel efficiency of ships.

"First, HR must be reformed, we need strong HR. Second, the issue of energy or fuel use, which accounts for 50% of Pelni's costs, must be clearly addressed. If fuel calculations exceed 5%, Pelni will definitely incur losses. But on the other hand, if it can be saved and efficient, it will become income or profit from fuel," explained the Minister.

Furthermore, the Minister of Transportation also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and synergy between regulators, operators, the community, and all stakeholders. All parties can optimize their roles in improving sea transportation services towards Indonesia Emas 2045.

Also present at the event were the Director General of Sea Transportation Antoni Arif Priadi, the President Director of Pelni Tri Andayani, and Transportation Observer Djoko Setijowarno.