LAMPUNG INDONESIA (ISL News, Tuesday, March 24, 2026) – In order to ensure the smoothness, safety, and security of the 2026 Iedul Fitri return flow, the Tanjung Priok Class I Sea and Coast Guard Base (PLP), Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation, deployed three state patrol vessels that were specifically focused on the Bakauheni waters, as a crucial crossing point for travelers from Sumatra to Java Island.
The three KPLP patrol vessels assigned are: KN. Damaru – P.214, KN. Jembio – P.215, and KN. Golok – P.206.
These three patrol units are strategically positioned in the Bakauheni waters and surrounding areas to guard the busy shipping route to Merak. Intensive surveillance is conducted to ensure all shipping activities are safe, orderly, smooth, and controlled, especially during the peak Eid al-Fitr return flow.
Head of the Tanjung Priok Class I PLP Base, Fourmansyah, SH, MM, MH, emphasized that the presence of patrol elements in Bakauheni is a real form of the state's commitment to protecting the community.
"Bakauheni is a crucial point for the Eid al-Fitr return flow. Therefore, the Marine and Fisheries Service (KPLP) has deployed patrols in this area to ensure safe shipping and provide a sense of security for people returning to Java," said Fourmansyah.
In carrying out the WASPAM task in the Bakauheni area, the KPLP elements carry out:
* Supervision of ship traffic on the busy Bakauheni-Mer crossing route
* Inspection of ship safety and seaworthiness aspects
* Controlling potential disturbances to shipping safety and security
* Preparedness for SAR assistance and handling emergencies at sea
In order to strengthen supervision, KPLP also carries out intensive and integrated coordination with:
Merak VTS (Vessel Traffic Services), Maritime Command Center (MCC) of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Sea Transportation Information Center (Pusintrans Laut), KPLP Drone Team for real-time aerial monitoring, Bakauheni KSOP, Merak KSOP, BASARNAS, TNI/Polri, ferry operators, and other related agencies
This cross-agency synergy ensures that supervision is carried out in an integrated and responsive manner, so that any potential safety disturbances can be handled quickly and appropriately.
Based on monitoring results, the return flow conditions on the Bakauheni-Merak route were observed to be dense but remained under control, supported by relatively conducive weather and optimal coordination between all stakeholders.
The Maritime Transportation Agency (KPLP) affirmed its commitment to remain at the forefront of maintaining the safety and security of national shipping. By strengthening special surveillance in Bakauheni, the main hub for the Eid al-Fitr return flow, the KPLP ensures that every journey is safe, secure, and comfortable, demonstrating its commitment to public service in the maritime transportation sector.
Dharma Jala Prajatama
(ISL News Editorial Team/ Public Relations of Tanjung Priok Class I PLP Base).
