Difficulties in inter-island transportation have prompted residents of Kepulauan Seribu to urge the Governor of DKI Jakarta to provide inter-island connector boats. A petition has been created as part of their efforts to push the government to address the increasingly urgent need for mobility solutions.
Residents hope that these boats will connect inhabited islands such as Pulau Tidung, Pulau Panggang, and Pulau Kelapa, making social interactions, economic activities, and tourism development easier.
“We need inter-island connector boats similar to the Jaklingko transportation system in mainland Jakarta. They don’t have to operate daily, but at least three times a week with a fixed schedule,” said Munawar, a member of the Kepulauan Seribu Regional Council, Tuesday (11/3).
Munawar stated that support from various community elements, including LMK, FKDM, RT, and RW across Kepulauan Seribu, has been gathered to strengthen their request to the Governor of DKI Jakarta.
“If this can be implemented before Eid, it would be a great help. During Eid, inter-island mobility is at its peak as residents travel to visit family on different islands,” he added.
Responding to this request, Assistant for Economic and Development Administration (Asminekbang) of Kepulauan Seribu, Iwan Samosir, emphasized that inter-island transportation must be realized soon to improve connectivity for both residents and tourists.
“Kepulauan Seribu needs a transportation system that connects its inhabited islands, just like public transport in mainland Jakarta. The Jaklingko mechanism can be applied by the Transportation Agency,” he explained.
Beyond improving residents’ mobility, these inter-island connector boats could also significantly boost tourism and the local economy.
“If tourists can easily travel between islands, they will be more likely to stay overnight on multiple islands. Cultural exchange among residents would also increase,” he added.
Iwan suggested that the Regional Council should immediately submit an official letter to the Governor, with copies sent to the Head of the Transportation Agency and the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI Jakarta), to ensure this proposal receives serious attention.
“I raised this issue when I first took office. At that time, Jaklingko didn’t exist yet, so I used the analogy of Metromini and Kopaja buses to propose that the system be managed by the local government,” he recalled.
With growing public demand, it is hoped that the Governor of DKI Jakarta will respond swiftly and establish inter-island connector boats as an efficient and sustainable transportation solution in Kepulauan Seribu.
