Rosa Panggabean

Since 2017, the Sabuk Nusantara 66 ferry has been helping travelers reach the Thousand Islands regency from Jakarta.

The ferry operates three times a week, departing every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8 a.m. from Sunda Kelapa Port. With tickets priced at Rp 15,000 (US$1.07) per person, it helps local residents and tourists travel to and from the capital easily and affordably.

Equipped with both seats and beds, the ferry can accommodate up to 150 passengers. It also boasts air conditioning and power sockets to allow travelers to charge their devices.

Compared to other ferries that carry passengers from Kaliadem Port or even Marina Ancol Jakarta Port, the ferry, operated by state-owned PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni), requires four hours to arrive at Pramuka Island, the administrative center of the Thousand Islands. However price-wise it remains the cheapest mode of travel compared to other ships that also transport locals and tourists to the regency.

Though not perfect, the Sabuk Nusantara 66 still serves as a reliable alternative for locals residents of the Thousand Islands. Many tourists can also be found using its services to indulge in island hopping during their vacation, which helps boost the local economy. (kes)