On April 20, 2025, the city of Parepare in South Sulawesi welcomed the luxurious cruise ship MS Artania, marking another milestone in its growing reputation as a prime tourist destination. The ship docked at Nusantara Port, bringing with it 577 international tourists and 512 crew members, all eager to explore the local culture and attractions.
The MS Artania, which boasts a gross tonnage of 44,500 and measures approximately 231 meters in length, arrived in Parepare at precisely 12:00 WITA after departing from Lombok. The ship was set to continue its journey to Kinabalu, Malaysia, after a six-hour stopover in the city.
As the ship docked, a vibrant welcome awaited the tourists. They were greeted with the Paduppa dance, a traditional Bugis performance symbolizing respect and hospitality for the guests. The local government, led by Vice Mayor Hermanto, was present to extend a warm reception. Alongside him were Secretary of the Region Husni Syam and various department heads, including the Head of the Port Authority and local police officials.
In his welcoming address, Hermanto expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting its potential to invigorate the tourism sector in Parepare. "We hope that this visit from the cruise ship carrying 579 tourists can breathe new life into the tourism sector of Parepare," he stated. The city had prepared an array of attractions and local souvenirs for the visitors, including culinary specialties that reflect the region's rich heritage.
As part of the welcoming ceremony, Hermanto presented a Songkok Recca, a traditional hat, to the ship's captain, symbolizing the hospitality of the city known as the City of Love, named after the late BJ Habibie, a prominent Indonesian figure.
Just two days earlier, on April 18, 2025, the MS Artania had made another significant stop at Gilimas Port in Lombok Barat, where it had docked smoothly, bringing over a thousand passengers from various countries. This arrival was part of a broader strategy to establish Lombok as a key entry point for international tourists arriving by sea.
The ship, which weighs 44,697 Gross Tons, had set sail from Benoa Port before making its way to Gilimas and then to Parepare. It arrived at Gilimas Port at 08:00 WITA and was scheduled to depart the same day at 18:00 WITA. Upon arrival, a combined team from several agencies conducted thorough checks to ensure compliance with international safety and health protocols.
Onboard the MV Artania were 533 passengers and 537 crew members. Of the tourists, 220 participated in organized tours to popular destinations in the Senggigi area, including notable hotels such as Merumatta and Sheraton. Meanwhile, 45 tourists opted for independent exploration, enjoying their freedom until 17:00 WITA before returning to the ship.
Security measures during the cruise's visit were stringent, with the local police working in tandem with various agencies to ensure a safe and orderly experience for all. AKBP Yasmara Harahap, the Lombok Barat police chief, emphasized the collaborative effort to support tourism in the region, stating, "We are working in synergy with Pelindo, KKP, Customs, Immigration, and travel agents to ensure everything runs smoothly. This is our commitment to supporting tourism in Lombok."
After a fulfilling day of enjoying Lombok's natural beauty and cultural warmth, the tourists returned to the MV Artania, which departed for Parepare exactly at 18:00 WITA. The departure was also closely monitored by local law enforcement and other officials to ensure safety and order.
The successful docking of the MS Artania in both Lombok and Parepare not only highlights the growing appeal of these destinations but also underscores the importance of maritime tourism in Indonesia's broader economic landscape. As international cruise lines continue to recognize the potential of Indonesian ports, cities like Parepare and Lombok Barat stand to benefit significantly from increased tourist traffic.
With the local government actively promoting tourism and cultural heritage, the arrival of the MS Artania is expected to pave the way for more cruise ships to include Parepare and Lombok in their itineraries. This could lead to a substantial boost in local economies and create new opportunities for local businesses.
As Parepare continues to enhance its tourism offerings, the city aims to attract more visitors, showcasing its unique culture, history, and natural beauty. The warm welcome extended to the MS Artania and its passengers serves as a testament to the city's commitment to becoming a leading destination in the region.
The future looks promising for Parepare and Lombok as they embrace the potential of cruise tourism, and with continued efforts to improve infrastructure and hospitality services, they are well on their way to establishing themselves as key players in Indonesia's tourism sector.
