KM Tilongkabila Experiences Steering Error, Returns to Baubau Port

PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia or PT PELNI (Persero) informs that one of its passenger vessels, KM Tilongkabila, has experienced a steering malfunction.

Press Release
PT PELNI (Persero)
No: 07.28/63/PR.KC/VII/2025

KM Tilongkabila Experiences Steering Error, Returns to Baubau Port

Baubau, July 28, 2025 – PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia or PT PELNI (Persero) informs that one of its passenger vessels, KM Tilongkabila, has experienced a steering malfunction. The vessel immediately returned to Baubau Port to ensure passenger safety and assess the ship’s condition. All passengers have been disembarked at the port, and tickets will be canceled with a 100 percent refund.

Jasman, Head of the PELNI Baubau Branch, issued an apology to PELNI passengers affected by the incident. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are currently inspecting the ship’s condition to carry out necessary repairs. Passengers whose trips have been canceled, including those at other ports who have already purchased tickets, will receive a full refund,” said Jasman.

KM Tilongkabila was reported to have departed for Raha Port in good condition, but midway through the journey, the ship encountered a steering issue that caused it to hit a shallow cliff edge at approximately 22:19 Central Indonesia Time (WITA), after sailing around 13 nautical miles from Baubau Port. Following the incident, the ship’s captain, in coordination with the MRT Team in Jakarta, decided to return to Baubau Port and disembark all 1,308 passengers for inspection and repairs.

KM Tilongkabila is a German-built Type 1000 vessel, 31 years old as of 2025, serving the route: Benoa – Lembar – Bima – Labuan Bajo – Makassar – Baubau – Raha – Kendari – Luwuk – Gorontalo – Bitung (round trip).

All PELNI vessels are equipped with lifejackets totaling 125 percent of passenger capacity. KM Tilongkabila is equipped with 8 lifeboats with a total capacity of 764 people, along with 50 rubber boats with a combined capacity of 1,250 people. To expedite passenger evacuation during emergencies, all PELNI vessels are also equipped with a Marine Evacuation System (MES).

In every voyage, PELNI prioritizes passenger and voyage safety by complying with all maritime regulations and recommendations from port authorities and other relevant agencies.

About PELNI

PELNI is a State-Owned Enterprise operating in marine transportation services. It currently operates 25 passenger ships serving 511 segments on 1,359 routes and stopping at 74 ports.

In addition to passenger transport, PELNI also operates 30 pioneer ship routes that provide access for population mobility in 3TP (Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged) areas, serving 230 ports with a total of 522 segments. PELNI also operates 18 rede vessels. In the logistics sector, PELNI currently runs 8 sea toll routes and one dedicated livestock vessel route.

For information and inquiries, please contact:
Ditto Pappilanda
Corporate Communication Manager
PT PELNI (Persero)
Phone: +62 21 6334342 ext. 1310