We have dispatched the Mutiara Ferindo VII ship carrying 362 passengers to Panjang PortCilegon, Banten (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Transportation implemented four strategies to reduce the number of vehicles at Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten District, during the peak of the 2022 Eid homecoming flow on April 29-30, 2022.
Director of River, Lake, and Crossing Transportation (ASDP) Junaidi of the Transportation Ministry stated on Saturday that his side will increase the number of ferry boats used to cross the strait that connected Java Island and Sumatra Island.
From April 29, eight additional ships departing from Merak Port were bound for Bakauheni Port in Lampung Province, thereby bringing the total to 42, Junaidi stated.
The Transportation Ministry also decided to use an additional pier, specifically the Indah Kiat Pier.
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At the Indah Kiat Pier, homecoming travelers will be transported by the KM Mutiara Ferindo VII ship to Panjang Port in Bandar Lampung in order to reduce traffic at Bakauheni Port, Lampung.
"We have dispatched the Mutiara Ferindo VII ship carrying 362 passengers to Panjang Port," Junaidi noted.
The third strategy adopted by the ministry is to increase the number of ships heading to Panjang Port. The Transportation Ministry will deploy KM Mutiara Berkah I starting from Saturday.
"Mutiara Berkah I will also be used to accommodate loaded passengers at Merak Port. They will be redirected to board the Mutiara Berkah I ship from Indah Kiat Port to Panjang Port in Lampung," he added.
Apart from the Indah Kiat Port, the Transportation Ministry will also use Bojonegara -- a sea port in Banten -- to reduce the number of passengers at Merak Port, Junaidi stated.
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Meanwhile, the fourth strategy is to operate Pier 1 of Merak Harbor that had earlier stopped operating due to renovation.
"(Work on) Pier 1 is complete, and we will strive to speed up the loading and unloading process to increase the number of ship trips," he stated.
Junaidi also emphasized that all ferry boats currently transporting passengers from Merak Port to Bakauheni Port and vice versa were in good condition and reportedly encountered no administrative problems.
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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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