The local government hopes that the number of livestock vessels will be increased
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Transportation launched the maiden voyage of KM Camara Nusantara 2, the sea toll ship intended for livestock that serves the RT-2 route, in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on January 30.

The RT-2 shipping route to be covered by the special livestock vessel is Kupang-Wini-Atapupu-Tanjung Priok/Banjarmasin/Samarinda-Kupang.

"On this occasion, I invite all parties to collaborate in order to optimize services for the implementation of public service obligations for livestock transport, not only just before Eid al-Adha but also throughout 2023," the ministry's Director of Traffic and Sea Transport, Captain Hendri Ginting, noted in a statement received here, Wednesday.

Ginting also invited all parties to utilize the livestock vessel to transport cargo back from the unloading port, as it also has a cargo space, with a capacity of 150 tons.

"The local government hopes that the number of livestock vessels will be increased. PT Pelindo Kupang Branch is also committed to always supporting the Ministry of Transportation's programs," he remarked.

KM Camara Nusantara 2, operated by PT Pelayaran Wirayuda Maritim, is planned to sail from the base port in Kupang, NTT, by transporting 550 heads of cattle owned by 12 business actors to the unloading port of Samarinda.

"550 heads of cattle is the maximum load of livestock. I urge the crew to always prioritize safety and pay attention to the situation and weather conditions at sea," Ginting remarked.

He emphasized that sea transportation plays an important and strategic role in supporting national development, especially for eastern Indonesia, which still needs to increase sea transportation services for passengers, goods, and livestock.

To this end, the government continues to develop sea transportation facilities and infrastructure in order to create safe and smooth sea transportation at an affordable cost in order to meet the public's need for the distribution of passengers, goods, and livestock, he remarked.

He affirmed that the operation of livestock vessels aims to ensure the continuity of distribution of livestock through sea transportation on a fixed and regular schedule.

Vessels specifically used for livestock are built with a special design for livestock transportation facilities, with observance of animal welfare principles, and are equipped with medical personnel -- veterinarians and paramedics -- to maintain the health and welfare of livestock during the voyage.

Special Staff of the Minister of Transportation for Inter-Institutional Relations Buyung Lalana stated that the Directorate General of Sea Transportation in 2023 will prepare six livestock ship routes at two base ports: Kupang Port and Kwandang Port, Gorontalo Province.

"The program for operating livestock transport ship that has been provided is one of the implementations of the sea highway program in supporting livestock supply from livestock production centers to consumer areas," he explained.

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Translator: Ahmad Wijaya, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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