I ask the port officers to serve the customers politely and friendly, but strictly...
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Tuesday said that eight ships at Muara Angke Port, Jakarta, have been found to be unfit for operation during a ramp check.

"Out of 31 ships, there are 23 ships in Muara Angke Port which are assessed to have met the safety requirements and been able to be operated," he informed.

Hence, he appealed to the ship owners to fulfill the operational requirements and obtain Sailing Orders (SPB).

The minister emphasized that the ships should not be overloaded, the speed of the vessels must follow the prescribed regulations, and the ship crew must always pay attention to weather conditions.

He also lauded the performance of the port’s services, including the implementation of the health protocols, the use of the PeduliLindungi app, and the provision of vaccinations to unvaccinated passengers.

"I ask the port officers to serve the customers politely and friendly, but strictly since we have to ensure their safety (from COVID-19 as well as accidents). A safe and healthy homecoming trip must be realized," he remarked.

On the same occasion, the head of Class IV Muara Angke Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), Dimyati, said that during the 2022 Eid Al-Fitr exodus period, the number of passengers surged by 300 percent compared to normal days.

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On D-1 of Eid Al-Fitr, the number of passengers was almost two thousand.

“At the peak of the exodus period, the number can reach three thousand to four thousand passengers. Hence, to anticipate the surge, we have prepared reserve ships," Dimyati said.

To serve the passengers during Eid this year, the KSOP has readied 23 ships. Of the number, 18 ships are operational, while the rest are being kept in reserve to cater to any surge.

Most of the piers at Muara Angke Port serve routes to Seribu Islands district, Jakarta. Hence, the port is always crowded during the holiday period since many people want to travel to the tourist destination.

Currently, the passenger piers have been revitalized and made larger with better services.

Related news: Minister advises public to return early or after congestion peak

Translator: Adimas Fahky, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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