Indonesia prepares maritime safety for 2026/2027 holiday season

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, is implementing measures to support sea transport during the 2026 Christmas and New Year period. A total of 2,140 vessels are scheduled for seaworthiness inspections between November 1 and November 30, 2026. These inspections cover 511 passenger ships, 63 long-distance Ro-Ro vessels, 460 ferry Ro-Ro vessels, 162 traditional boats, 821 tourist boats, and 123 high-speed crafts.

Plt Director General of Sea Transportation Samsuddin stated that maritime safety is a non-negotiable priority. Inspections will focus on vessel safety, pollution prevention, crew competency, loading, passenger health, and legal status.

In addition to national oversight, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has increased supervision at Merak Port in Banten. Lanal Banten conducted inspections of port facilities and ferry readiness to prevent maritime accidents during the peak holiday period. These checks include verifying life jackets, lifeboats, liferafts, emergency signal transmitters, and engine room fire suppression systems.