TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Pelni stated that there are three pioneer ships now serving the people of remote, outermost, underdeveloped border areas in NTT.

"In total, there are three Pioneer ships that made their homebase in Kupang," said Pelni manager of communication Ditto Pappilanda in Menangga village, East Solor District, East Flores Regency, NTT, Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

Ditto explained that all three ships serve 31 ports that are considered difficult to reach by other passenger ships that often operate in NTT.

The three vessels are KM Sabuk Nusantara 90, KM Sabuk Nusantara 67, and KM Sabuk Nusantara 108, with an average ship size of 1,200 gross tons (GT).

He explained that KM Sabuk Nusantara 90 has shipping routes to Kupang, Ndao Island, Sabu Island, Raijua Island, Ende, Ende Island, Waiwole, Waingapu, and Mamboro.

Then, for KM Sabuk Nusantara 67 routes to Kupang, Naikliu, Wini, Lirang, Ilwaki, Kisar, Romang, Leti, Lakor, Luang P Kelapa, Sermara (Elo), Tepa, Kroing, and Saumlaki.

Meanwhile, KM Sabuk Nusantara 108 went the route to Kupang, Naikliu, Mananga, Lewoleba, Balauring, Baranusa, Kalabahi, and Atapupu.

The number of docks that the ships are assigned to are located on the outer islands, such as Sabu, Ndao and several other islands.

Ditto explained that ticket prices are very affordable, which if calculated from Kupang-Lewoleba port, Lembata Regency, the price is only Rp18,600 per person. The highest price is Rp31,100 from Kupang-Atapupu.

During the whole year of 2022, Pelni had assigned 44 pioneer ships on routes throughout Indonesia. With a total of 283 ports served around every Indonesia region.

Ditto also explained the schedule for Pioneer ships can be seen by visiting Pelni's official website, although bookings or online purchase is still not available.

In addition, all HR or crew of Pelni pioneer ships have gone through a strict selection process and have been certified according to the required standard.

Also, each pioneer ship has an annual maintenance schedule to ensure the ship's facilities and engines are in good and excellent condition for safe and comfortable travel to passengers.

"We also have a medical room with standard medicines on every pioneer ship that could be used for passengers in need," Ditto added.

ANTARA

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