"The ships are ready to serve the Eid transportation for crossing Bali to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara," ASDP's manager at Padangbai Port, Hermin Welkis, said here on Thursday.
Though no additional ro-ro fleet has been prepared to serve the Eid exodus flow this year, ASDP will optimize the operation of ships to ensure smooth travel.
Welkis said his side will optimize services for travelers returning to their hometowns to celebrate Eid by readying facilities such as passenger counters and the two docks.
Based on data from the Padangbai Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), the Eid exodus and return flow crossings via the port will stretch from April 7, 2023, till May 8, 2023.
Welkis estimated that the peak of the homecoming flow will occur from two days (D-2) to the day (D-1) before Eid.
As COVID-19 cases are under control and restrictions on community activities have been lifted, Padangbai Port has estimated an increase of 14 percent in the number of travelers compared to the year-ago period
At least 15,149 travelers traveled via Padangbai Port during last year's exodus period, he noted.
According to ASDP data, the sea crossing with ro-ro ships from Padangbai Port, Bali, to Lembar Port, Lombok, is one of the eight busy sea crossings that are being monitored nationally.
Other than the Padangbai Port, the ferry crossing that is being monitored nationally is the one from Gilimanuk Port, Jembrana, Bali, to Ketapang, Banyuwangi, East Java.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Ministry said that it has been intensifying coordination with stakeholders ahead of the 2023 Eid exodus period.
"We want this year's Eid exodus to be memorable. We will prepare 'all out' for the high surge in public mobility," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi remarked at a meeting with the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
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Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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