MAKASSAR INDONESIA (ISL News) - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) as part of the State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) which is the driving force of the national logistics sector is committed to continuing to improve the quality of services, especially at the Port of Makassar and supporting the development of the tourism sector, especially in South Sulawesi.
This is proven by the preparation of various international standard facilities and services, ranging from dock security to optimal guide and tug services when receiving a visit from the Australian-flagged cruise ship, Coral Geographer, which docked at Makassar Port on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Pelindo also works with local authorities to ensure the comfort and safety of foreign tourists brought by cruise ships operated by Coral Expeditions while in Makassar.
The visit of the international cruise ship, Coral Geographer, which is part of this cross-country tour is proof that Makassar Port is increasingly in demand as a world maritime tourism destination.
General Manager of Pelindo Regional 4 Makassar, Iwan Sjarifuddin said that the cruise ship visit was the result of joint efforts between Pelindo, the local government, and the tourism community in promoting tourism potential in South Sulawesi.
"We are very proud to welcome the visit of Coral Geographer at the Port of Makassar. This is a momentum to strengthen Makassar's position as one of the gateways to maritime tourism in Eastern Indonesia," said Iwan.
Coral Geographer docked at Soekarno-Hatta Pier carrying 46 passengers who were foreign tourists from Australia, the United States, and Switzerland. The tourists who arrived that morning had the opportunity to visit various leading destinations in Makassar City, including Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, and a number of culinary tourism locations typical of South Sulawesi.
The arrival of Coral Geographer, led by Captain Andrew Robert Conigrave, was also marked by a warm welcome by a number of young women who performed traditional dances that reflected the typical hospitality of South Sulawesi. The tourists were also greeted with a variety of local culinary delights and regional crafts that are the richness of the local culture by a number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) traders in their respective tenants located at the Anging Mammiri Passenger Terminal.
Rahmat Riberu, from the shipping agent PT Lestari Abadi Serasi expressed his appreciation for the services provided by Pelindo and the warm welcome from the people of Makassar.
"Makassar is one of the favorite destinations in Indonesia. Good port facilities and unique local culture are a special attraction for international tourists," he said.
Coral Geographer is a luxury cruise ship operated by an Australian shipping company. During its stay in Indonesia, the cruise ship with the Makassar – Darwin, Australia route will circle around 20 islands in Eastern Indonesia.
Before docking at Makassar Port, the cruise ship has visited Marabatuan Island, an island located in the administrative area of Pulau Sembilan District, Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan. Next in South Sulawesi, tourists are taken sailing to Bulukumba, then Palopo and continue to Tanajampea Island located in Selayar Regency.
With the increasing number of international cruise ship visits, Pelindo is committed to continuously improving the quality of services, especially at Makassar Port and supporting the development of the tourism sector, especially in South Sulawesi.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Public Relations of Pelindo Regional 4 Makassar/email: islnewstv@gmail.com).
