Rote Ndao Regent presses for more Rote–Kupang ferries and longer runway

Rote, East Nusa Tenggara — Rote Ndao Regent Paulus Henuk has urged transport authorities and operators to expand ferry services between Rote and Kupang beyond the current two daily departures, calling for sailings in the morning, midday and afternoon to support island connectivity and local economic growth, according to RRI Kupang.

Henuk outlined the request after leading the National Transportation Day (Hari Perhubungan Nasional, Harhubnas) ceremony at the Rote Ndao regency office on Thursday, 17 September 2026. He told RRI that more frequent and better‑timed crossings would help move people and goods more efficiently between Rote and the provincial capital Kupang, which he described as essential for a predominantly island regency.

The regent framed his comments as a call for policy and service improvements rather than the announcement of a confirmed timetable change. RRI’s report does not identify a specific operator that has agreed to add sailings or detail vessel capacities on the Rote–Kupang route.

Implications for travelers and traders

Henuk said more flexible crossings would be particularly beneficial for traders and businesses sending goods from Rote to Kupang, arguing that enhanced transport links can help strengthen local economic activity. For visitors and residents travelling between the two islands, departures spread across morning, midday and afternoon could provide greater flexibility for planning onward journeys and island itineraries.

However, no schedule, frequency pattern or operational start date has been set out in the available reports. There is also no confirmation of whether additional sailings would operate daily or be adjusted seasonally or by demand.

The push for more ferries forms part of a wider Harhubnas 2026 agenda in Rote Ndao to improve transport services and safety. The regency government and local transport stakeholders marked the occasion with an official ceremony, as well as public events promoting road‑safety and transport awareness.

Call for more fast boats and stronger air links

Alongside the ferry proposal, Henuk said the local government wants another fast‑boat company to enter the Rote–Kupang market, arguing that additional operators could increase service options for residents of the regency. The RRI report does not name a prospective operator or indicate that any firm has committed to launch new services.

The regent also highlighted air connectivity as a strategic priority. He told RRI that the regional government hopes to extend the runway at D.C. Saudale Airport from about 1,650 metres to at least 2,200 metres, a length he said could allow larger aircraft to serve Rote Ndao.

Henuk said he “dreams” of a runway extension that would open opportunities for direct flights from Bali and Labuan Bajo to Rote Ndao, linking improved air access to tourism potential. The regency’s official website likewise emphasises Harhubnas as a moment to strengthen transport connectivity and safety, including aviation links.

No timeline, funding package or approval from the Ministry of Transportation for the runway project is mentioned in the reports, and no direct air routes from Bali or Labuan Bajo have been announced.

Other transport and infrastructure priorities

Henuk’s Harhubnas remarks sit within a broader push to improve transport and supporting infrastructure in Rote Ndao. He said the regency has asked the Ministry of Transportation and the Directorate General of Land Transportation for assistance with vehicles to bolster land transport services. He also referred to efforts to increase street lighting, targeting around 400 lighting points to improve safety and mobility for residents.

Officials and transport stakeholders in Rote Ndao used Harhubnas 2026 to stress that better connectivity and safer transport systems are vital for economic activity, social links and tourism in the regency. For now, Henuk’s ferry and runway proposals remain aspirations and requests to higher authorities and operators, rather than confirmed projects with published timetables or construction schedules.

Sources

• RRI.co.id – “Bupati Rote Ndao Dorong Peningkatan Layanan Transportasi pada Harhubnas 2026”
• Rotendaokab.go.id – “Semarak Harhubnas 2026 di Rote Ndao, Bupati Paulus Henuk Ajak Masyarakat Bangun Budaya Keselamatan Transportasi”
• Pos-Kupang.com – “Harhubnas ke-55, Insan Perhubungan Rote Ndao Kampanye Keselamatan Transportasi Berhadiah Motor”