Have Interesting Tourism Potential, IKN Will Have Two Pinition Ship Routes

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi while visiting Balikpapan (doc. Ministry of Transportation).

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation has set two tourist routes for the service of phinisi ships, namely from Semayang-Jembatan Pulau Balang (passing)-Dermaga PT ITCI KU (leading)-Labuhan Semayang.

Then for the reverse route, namely PT ITCI KU-Jembatan Pulau Balang (passing)-Pelabuhan Semayang (leading)-Dermaga PT ITCI KU.

Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi said the voyage of the Pinisi ship for tourism to the capital city of Nusantara (IKN) in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, was to introduce IKN to the wider community. What's more, the potential for tourism in Balikpapan waters is very interesting to enjoy.

"The potential for tourism in Balikpapan waters that are still green and natural is very amazing and very unfortunate if it is not maximized," said Minister of Transportation Budi, quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Transportation, Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To review its readiness, Budi on Friday, June 21, 2024, visited the Port of Punggur, ITCI Port, and the Orang Utan Fire Center, which is planned to be a shipping route for phinisi ships for tourism purposes in the Balikpapan area to the IKN area.

The total shipping time is estimated to be three hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, continued Budi, tourists will be able to enjoy a variety of interesting experiences. Starting from culinary tours, visiting the aesthetic multipurpose building and the Balang Island bridge, mangrove forests, breeding of orangutans, to seeing other endemic animals, such as pesut fish, bekantan, and crocodiles.

"While in the IKN area, tourists will be able to enjoy a city tour in the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) using environmentally friendly vehicles. This will certainly be an unforgettable experience for tourists," he said.

Apart from tourism, sea routes can also cut time from Balikpapan to IKN rather than using land transportation. So, tourists have more time to enjoy the experience in the new capital city.

Furthermore, Budi hopes that the provision of sea transportation services for tourism can provide a unique experience for tourists. Previously, he had also invited the Indonesian National Commercial Shipping Entrepreneurs Association (INSA) to cooperate in the procurement of phinisi ships at IKN.

"One thing that is no less important, hopefully this step can make a significant contribution to the regional economy as well as in order to preserve the maritime culture of the country," he said.