The port operated by Batam’s Business Entity (BUP) has recorded a staggering increase in international passengers in the first half of 2023, with numbers dramatically surpassing the previous year.
Batam’s Business Entity (BUP) disclosed data indicating a marked rise in foreign passengers arriving and departing from its port.
In the first semester of 2022, there were 394,977 foreign passengers, with 184,978 arriving and 209,999 departing. In stark contrast, 2023 saw 2,174,543 international passengers, with 1,077,116 arriving and 1,096,427 leaving.
Domestic traffic wasn’t left behind either. In 2022, local passenger figures stood at 1,492,004, with 737,694 arrivals and 754,310 departures. This increased to 1,857,985 in 2023, with 916,265 arriving and 941,720 departing.
Dendi Gustinandar, Director of BUP Batam, stated this upward trend mirrored the increase in ship movement. The port recorded 15,567 ship visits in the first half of 2022, which jumped to 33,320 visits in the same period in 2023.
The surge in both domestic and international passengers highlights Batam’s growing significance as a regional transit and travel hub.
This increase in travelers showcases the broader trend of mobility and tourism recovery in the region.
The rise in passenger traffic at Batam’s port suggests a revived interest in regional travel. It not only reaffirms Batam’s strategic position as a key transit hub, but also implies greater connectivity options and possibly more frequent trips between Singapore and Batam. This trend can potentially boost tourism, trade, and foster closer ties.
Batam’s port sees a monumental rise in both international and domestic passengers in the first half of 2023, signaling a robust rebound in regional travel. The implications for Singapore and the broader international community include enhanced connectivity, increased tourism, and a reaffirmation of Batam’s role in regional maritime activities.
Source: Antara News (2023)
