BALI, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – PT. Bali Ekajaya officially launched its new international standard fast boat named Ekajaya Matra at Merumatta, Senggigi, West Lombok on Friday (19/7). The Ekajaya Matra fast boat is equipped with modern features and advanced technology, which is expected to boost tourism between Bali and Lombok. Additionally, the travel time between Padangbai and Senggigi, which previously took 5 to 6 hours, has been reduced.
The Ekajaya Matra fast ferry can accommodate up to 260 passengers and can travel at a maximum speed of 40 knots. In addition, Ekajaya Matra has complete and modern safety facilities, as well as various comforts such as LED TVs, spacious seating, and a sun deck on the top of the boat. Ekajaya Matra adds to the fleet of ships owned by PT. Bali Ekajaya to become 4 fast boats operating on the Bali to Lombok route.
Launching Ekajaya Matra on Senggigi Beach. PHOTO by SANDRA G.
“Now it only takes 1 hour 15 minutes from Padangbai to Senggigi, West Lombok. We set the maximum speed at 25 knots to provide comfort for passengers. If it’s too fast, not all passengers will feel comfortable,” explained the General Manager of PT. Bali Ekajaya, I Ketut Sugita.
I Ketut Sugita also added that the presence of Ekajaya Matra, which was launched coinciding with the 16th anniversary of the Ekajaya Group, is a commitment and contribution to provide optimal service to tourists, both domestic and foreign.
“We will operate Ekajaya Matra to support Bali-Lombok crossings with fast boats. With the operation of this fleet, we hope to improve services to foreign and domestic tourists who use this facility. We also want to be able to make a real contribution to improving the economy of Bali and Nusa Tenggara Barat, especially West Lombok and North Lombok districts,” explained I Ketut Sugita.
With the increasing number of fast boats, I Ketut Sugita also hopes that the local government can improve the available infrastructure at the port, so that it can facilitate passenger mobilization and provide satisfaction for passengers traveling by sea. “This is an opportunity for the local government to maximize marine infrastructure, such as piers, to be decent and comfortable,” he concluded.
The Ekajaya Matra launch event was attended by media and travel agents, as well as Didi Sunaria as CEO of the Ekajaya Group and his family, West Lombok government officials, Police, Transportation Agency, and business partners. The event consisted of releasing balloons, having lunch together, and cutting a tumpeng and birthday cake.
During the launch event for the Ekajaya Matra fast boat, Wisnu Arimbawa, a member of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASITA) Bali, also shared his positive impressions and thoughts on Ekajaya Matra’s services.
Ekajaya Matra
“This is an excellent option for tourists to explore different regions of Indonesia at a more affordable cost,” he stated. “The current situation with limited and expensive flight tickets makes Ekajaya Matra a welcome solution for quick and affordable inter-island travel.”
Wisnu Arimbawa’s comments highlight the positive impact that Ekajaya Matra is expected to have on the tourism industry, particularly in terms of providing more accessible and affordable transportation options for travelers. The fast boat’s ability to reduce travel time between Bali and Lombok is also seen as a significant advantage.***Sandra G.
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