We have held an early coordination meeting involving various parties, so that the implementation (of the 2023 Eid al-Fitr transport) will be better than last year (in 2022).
Merak, Banten (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has forecast the number of travelers during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period in 2023 to increase to 123 million people, from 85 million recorded in 2022.

"Most of the Eid al-Fitr travelers usually use four-wheeled and two-wheeled land vehicles," he noted here on Sunday.

A surge in the number of travelers may cause traffic jams at several locations, especially along the road towards Merak Port as well as the Jakarta-Semarang Toll Road.

Hence, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had urged several ministers, including the transportation minister as well as Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, to make transport-related preparations for the 2023 Eid al-Fitr that is estimated to fall on April 21, 2023.

Sumadi stated that currently, his side is cooperating with several stakeholders to prepare for transportation during the holiday period.

The stakeholders include the PUPR Ministry, Acting Governor of Banten Al Muktabar, state-run ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, state-run ferry operator PT Pelni (Persero), Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT), and the police, he stated.

He noted that so far, Merak Port in Banten Province and Bakauheni Port in Lampung Province had been the preferred crossing route of Eid al-Fitr travelers, so early preparations were deemed necessary.

"We have held an early coordination meeting involving various parties, so that implementation (of the 2023 Eid al-Fitr transport) will be better than last year (in 2022)," the minister stated.

Sumadi said that his side will prepare alternative piers to reduce the high number of passengers at Merak Port that has seven piers and is served by 65 ships.

Five alternative piers, served by 15 ships, will be readied at Ciwandan Port, while one additional pier will be prepared at Indah Kiat Port.

Furthermore, ASDP will strongly encourage the public to buy tickets online at the company’s e-ticketing system, called Ferizy, at least a day before departure.

The government also plans to build an additional rest area at KM (Kilometer) 97 of the Merak Toll Road as a check-in point and ensure that passengers already purchase their tickets online since they can no longer buy tickets offline at the port.

In addition, the number of trips will be increased, and loading and unloading activities at the port will be expedited to prevent traffic jams at the port, Sumadi noted.

Related news: Govt intensifies preparations for 2023 Eid homecoming, return movement
Related news: Indonesia has surplus food ahead of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr: Ministry
Related news: Govt's rice aid readied for 21.6 million people during Ramadan, Eid



Translator: Mansyur Suryana, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023