<![CDATA[ Inequalities in access to education in Indonesia’s island regions are influenced not only by economic and social factors but also by limited geographical mobility. This study aims to analyze how the dependence of students from island regions on maritime transportation specifically Pelni ships affects their access to higher education. The study employs a qualitative approach using phenomenological methods. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 students from island regions in Eastern Indonesia who are pursuing higher education in Makassar. The findings indicate that Pelni ships serve as educational infrastructure enabling academic mobility for students from remote areas to higher education centers. However, limited sailing schedules, long travel durations, and high mobility costs create a distinct form of educational inequality in island regions. On the other hand, travel via Pelni ships also serves as a space for the formation of social capital through student interactions and migrant networks. This study introduces the concept of maritime educational inequality as a form of educational disparity arising from differences in access to maritime transportation infrastructure. These findings expand the field of the sociology of education by positioning geographical mobility as a key factor in the reproduction of educational inequality. ]]>
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