Based on data from the 2023 Eid Sea Transport Post, the total number of ship passengers was recorded at 1,667,342 as of Thursday, while during the corresponding period in 2022, the number of passengers was pegged at 1,567,289.
"The 2023 ship passengers during homecoming departing on the ships were 865,255 people and 802,087 people alighted the ships. While in 2022, the number of passengers departing the ships was 818,398 people and the passengers alighting the ships were 748,891 people or a total of 1,567,289 people," the ministry's director general of sea transportation, Arif Toha, informed in a written statement received here on Friday.
Furthermore, the ports of Saumlaki, Bintuni, and Wonreli experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic on D-2 Eid this year compared to last year, he said.
In addition, at all ports that experienced a significant increase in passengers, all passengers were accommodated on the ships, he assured.
"Even though all ports have experienced a significant increase, thank God the conditions are still under control and all the passengers have been accommodated," Toha remarked.
He also advised prospective ship passengers to follow the safety rules, buy tickets online, come to the port close to the D-day of the ship's departure, avoid bringing excess goods, not forcefully get on a ship if it is full, and follow the instructions given by the port and onboard officers, he added.
"Public participation is very important for realizing safety. I hope the community can follow existing regulations because ship safety is a shared responsibility," he said.
Meanwhile, Toha also reminded officers in the field, including crew members (ABK), to prioritize safety, security, passenger comfort, and monitor the weather forecasts issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
"As well as ensuring smooth flow of passengers at the port to realize a safe and memorable homecoming," he added.
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Translator: Benardy Ferdiansyah, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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