Kendari (ANTARA) – The Southeast Sulawesi provincial government has strengthened inter-island connectivity to spur regional economic growth with the launch of a new fast boat service linking Kendari and Raha, officials said on Saturday, underscoring the role of maritime transport in supporting island-based economies.Deputy Governor Hugua said in Kendari that the initiative aims to smooth the flow of goods, services and people between islands, helping to unlock economic potential beyond the provincial mainland and reduce logistical bottlenecks.He said improving maritime transport was no longer optional for Southeast Sulawesi, a province made up largely of islands whose economic activity depends heavily on sea links.“Southeast Sulawesi is an archipelago, so communication networks and maritime transportation are essential,” Hugua said.“The presence of this new mode of transport is expected to drive economic growth and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.The fast boat inaugurated on the Kendari–Raha route has a total capacity of 388 passengers, consisting of 260 executive-class seats and 128 VIP-class seats, according to provincial officials.“This additional capacity is expected to accommodate the high mobility of residents between the provincial capital and Muna district,” Hugua said, referring to Raha, the capital of Muna.He added that a stronger maritime transport network would help ensure economic activity and development are not concentrated solely on the mainland, but distributed more evenly across island regions.Meanwhile, Capt. Raman, head of the Kendari Class II Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP), said the service would operate on a regular daily schedule to provide certainty for passengers and businesses.Departures are scheduled from Kendari at 1:00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA), while boats will leave Raha at 9:00 a.m. WITA, he said.“Ticket prices are set at 160,000 rupiah for executive class and 260,000 rupiah for VIP class,” Raman told reporters.Beyond its long-term economic impact, Raman said the new service is also expected to help manage a surge in passenger numbers ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, when travel demand typically spikes.“Time efficiency is the main advantage offered to the public,” he said, noting that faster travel could ease pressure on existing transport options.Raman added that the timing of the boat’s launch was strategic, coming just ahead of the Eid transport season, when safe, fast and comfortable travel becomes a priority.“With its high speed, travel time to Raha is only about 2.5 hours. We hope this service will meet public demand for efficient and reliable transportation during the busy holiday period,” he said.