This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Stimulus diskon tarif angkutan laut terserap 40%
23 June 2025
By Ichsan Amin
President Director of PT Pelni, Tri Andayani, stated that during the 15-day implementation of the 50% fare discount policy, passenger uptake reached 38%.
“Since we began on 5 June, the travel period over 15 days has already absorbed 48% of the quota. This shows strong public enthusiasm in taking advantage of PT Pelni’s discounted sea travel fares,” said Tri, during the departure of KM Kelud at the passenger terminal of Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on Friday (20/06/2025).
The high public interest in discounted sea transport via Pelni vessels has been matched with various preparations. Safety, security, and comfort remain the top priorities.
“The surge in passenger numbers feels like an Eid holiday during the school break, so we have made service-related adjustments accordingly,” she added.
Trianda explained that the 50% ticket discount applies to purchases and departures from 5 June to 31 July 2025, covering 25 passenger vessels across all routes. The government has allocated Rp134 billion for this programme.
As of 20 June 2025, 40% of the budget has been utilised, leaving around Rp53.6 billion available for fare discounts until 31 July.
“This economic stimulus provided to the maritime transport sector has proven to be highly effective,” she added.
She noted that the increase in passenger numbers is also driven by the school holiday period, which the public is using as an opportunity to travel, including by sea.
The rise in passenger numbers has prompted Pelni to increase vessel capacity by granting an average dispensation of 52%. This means passengers may still board even if seating capacity is full.
“We have received approval from the Ministry of Transportation to grant an average dispensation of 52% across all our vessels. Nevertheless, we continue to prioritise passenger safety, security, and comfort,” she concluded.
Boosting public mobility
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation reaffirmed that the 50% base fare discount for passenger vessels, effective from 5 June to 31 July 2025, coincides with the school holiday period.
Director General of Sea Transportation, Muhammad Masyhud, emphasised that this policy is a follow-up to strategic directives from President Prabowo Subianto.
“The President stressed the importance of the state’s role in providing accessible and equitable transport services to all segments of society, including those in remote, underdeveloped, outermost, and border areas,” said Masyhud.
He further explained that the fare discount applies to all routes and classes of vessels operated by PT Pelni (Persero). The 50% discount is applied to the base fare, excluding insurance and port entry fees. He hopes this policy will encourage public mobility and stimulate the domestic economy during the school holiday period.
Director of Sea Traffic and Transport, Capt. Budi Mantoro, elaborated on the implementation details. He stated that the total budget allocated for this stimulus programme is Rp134.89 billion, with the discount applicable to 25 PSO (Public Service Obligation) passenger vessels owned by PT Pelni.
“The discount applies to all ticket classes, both economy and non-economy, across all Pelni routes. Tickets must be purchased through official channels and must match the passenger’s identity,” stressed Capt. Budi.
He also highlighted that the stimulus is limited by budget quota. Once the quota is exhausted, normal fares will resume.
Joglosemarkerto among favourites
Separately, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) announced that for the travel period from 5 June to 31 July 2025, a total of 3,529,612 seats have been prepared. As of 17 June 2025 at 10:00 WIB, 952,639 tickets have been sold, equivalent to 27% of total capacity.
Vice President of Public Relations at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that booking trends are expected to continue rising as ticket sales remain open for several more weeks.
“With ample seat availability, we encourage the public to plan their journeys early to gain flexibility in choosing departure schedules, travel routes, and to take advantage of available promotional fares,” said Anne.
Several train services have recorded the highest booking rates so far, including KA Joglosemarkerto (45,728 passengers), KA Ambarawa Ekspres (41,080), KA Sawunggalih (37,235), KA Matarmaja (36,830), and KA Kaligung (36,098).
“Through this fare discount programme, KAI is committed to expanding access to public transport based on excellent service while contributing to sustaining national mobility growth during the school holiday period,” Anne concluded.
To enhance the travel experience during the holiday season, KAI has also introduced thematic concepts at several major stations. Thematic gates, standing characters, and photo booths are now available to greet passengers at strategic locations.
Lack of public awareness
Transport observer Djoko Setijowarno stated that the public’s use of mass transport through the fare discount policy has had a significant impact, especially as it coincides with the school holiday period.
“This will certainly be utilised by many, and I believe it is positive as long as the services provided are optimal. The key is prioritising passenger service,” he told Investor Daily.
Djoko added that fare discount implementation should ideally be accompanied by earlier public outreach so that people are more aware.
“What we have been lacking is socialisation. So, in the future, if there are discount programmes, especially for middle and lower-income public transport users, they should be informed earlier,” he concluded.
Previously, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the government is providing fare discounts across various transport modes, including trains, aircraft, sea vessels, and ferries, with a total stimulus of Rp 940 billion.
For rail transport, a 30% discount is provided for 3,522,464 seats, amounting to Rp300 billion. For air transport, the economy class ticket discount is in the form of Government-Borne Value Added Tax (VAT-DTP) of 6% for 6 million passengers, totalling Rp430 billion. For sea transport, fare discounts are provided for 923,113 passengers, comprising 812,240 on passenger vessels and 110,873 on pioneer vessels.
“For ferry transport, fare discounts are given to 506,830 passengers and 1,169,053 vehicles. For these two sectors, the stimulus totals Rp210 billion,” said the Minister.
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