Bandarlampung (ANTARA) - As many as eight large-sized ferries have been readied at Panjang Port, Bandarlampung, to cater to passengers during the 2022 Eid homecoming return flow, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi stated.

"Taking a cue from the homecoming departure at Merak Port, we were urged to provide an alternative crossing port other than Bakauheni," Sumadi noted at Panjang Port, Bandarlampung, Wednesday.

Hence, Panjang Port was selected, as it was located in proximity to the residential area. Sumadi expressed optimism that Panjang Port would help to reduce the number of passengers and vehicles at Bakauheni Port in South Lampung.

"This alternative port is expected to reduce traffic jams in Bakauheni and Merak Port," he noted.

Moreover, Sumadi expects that the number of passengers and vehicles would not spike during the Eid homecoming return.

"We also urged the Head of Traffic Police and the Head of the Lampung Police to direct the trucks or logistics vehicles to use the Panjang Port and not Bakauheni," he remarked.

On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy remarked that Panjang Port will be used as an alternative for the Eid homecoming transportation during the return flow.

"Following up on the evaluation result of the homecoming flow two days ago, we decided to use Panjang Port as an alternative port for the homecoming return flow," he explained.

The government will ensure that travelers, who will return after their homecoming trip, are handled professionally.

Attendees at the monitoring visit to Lampung were Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Head of the Traffic Police Division Inspector General Firman Shantyabudi, Lampung Governor Arinal Djunaidi, group of civil servants, member of the National Police (Polri), and Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI).

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Translator: Agus Wira S, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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