Indonesia Anticipates Spikes in Sea Transportation Passengers, Traffic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation prepares several actions to anticipate a spike in sea transportation passengers and mobility traffic ahead of the 2023 Idul Fitri homecoming.

A spokesperson for the ministry Adita Irawati said in a statement on Sunday, March 26 that the actions include preparing passenger ship fleet at various seaports.

"In the Tanjung Priok Port, for instance, we had prepared 15 passenger ships, with a total capacity of 16,767 people, to anticipate a spike in ship passengers for this year's Idul Fitri homecoming period," she said.

Moreover, a safety inspection of ships had been prepared to ensure that the operating ships are seaworthy.

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"Safe inspection had been undertaken in Tanjung Priok Port, Samarinda Port, Surabaya, Makassar Port, Batam Port, Banyuwangi, Palembang Port and Belawan Port," she said.

The next action is preparing command center facilities, such as at Tanjung Priok Port. The facilities will be the center for container and non-container or multipurpose operation, including ship service.

"With this, the likelihood of crowding due to logistics restriction ahead of the Idul Fitri homecoming can be identified early, so anticipatory actions can be taken before it truly occurs," she explained.

The ministry also continues its efforts in reducing crowding at seaports during the annual homecoming exodus, such as by reviewing the possibility of using Bojonegara Port and Bandar Jaya Port to strengthen Merak Port and Ciwandan Port.

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Moreover, the ministry is coordinating with the state-owned port operator PT Pelindo and related stakeholders to provide free homecoming facility by using a bus or train.

This free homecoming facility is provided for workers around Tanjung Priok Port and Tanjung Perak Port.

"It is expected that this effort can reduce the number of homecomers using motorcycles that are prone to accidents," she said.

Source: State News Antara