Sabira Island Residents Hope for Better Sea Transport Under Transjakarta

The plan to transfer sea transportation services from the Jakarta Transportation Agency to PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta) starting in 2027 has been welcomed by residents of the Thousand Islands.

We really hope the boat schedule can be increased to daily service at more affordable fares

The service is expected to strengthen connectivity between areas while providing more equitable access to transportation for island residents.

City Council Supports Transferring Seribu Islands Transport to TransJakarta

Sabira Island resident, Agung, welcomed the plan to transfer management of sea transportation services to Transjakarta.

He said Transportation Agency boats currently operate only three times a week, making it difficult for residents to travel, especially those who regularly need medical treatment on the Jakarta mainland.

"We really hope the boat schedule can be increased to daily service at more affordable fares. Besides meeting healthcare needs, reliable schedules are also important for tourists who want to visit so they do not have to worry about finding tickets for the return trip," he said on Monday (8/10).

According to Agung, limited transportation access also directly affects the local economy. Many tourists, including anglers, cancel their trips because they cannot be sure of getting tickets. This has also affected the income of homestay owners and local fishing boat operators.

Agung hopes Transjakarta can introduce a transparent and accessible electronic ticketing system using tap-in technology. This would make it easier for residents and tourists to obtain tickets while helping prevent ticket scalping.

"We also hope Transjakarta can provide inter-island transportation by working with residents who operate traditional boats and integrating them into the JakLingko Laut system," he added.

Thousand Islands Legislative Council member Munawar Salagau said residents have long been waiting for an integrated inter-island transportation service.

"We hope traditional boats can serve as a sea-based version of JakLingko. Transjakarta can operate the main routes, while traditional boats can transport logistics and fuel supplies to the inhabited islands," he explained.

He added that traditional boats would still be needed, particularly when tourist numbers surge during long holidays. Passenger numbers can reach thousands during such periods, making it difficult to serve everyone if residents rely solely on government-operated vessels.

"It's like Transjakarta being the big bus, traditional boats serving as angkot or JakLingko, and private speedboats providing premium services. This way, transportation needs for residents and tourists can be met more evenly," he highlighted.

Meanwhile, Thousand Islands Regent Muhammad Fadjar Churniawan said Transjakarta's presence in Jakarta's waters reflects the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to serving residents of the Thousand Islands.

Improved transportation access will directly support residents' mobility, particularly their access to healthcare and education, as well as economic activities.

"On behalf of Thousand Islands residents, we thank the Governor for his attention. This transportation integration reflects a commitment to fairness," he emphasized.