"We and our entourage are observing the Eid al-Fitr return flow movement from Panjang Port to its destination at Indah Kiat Port in Cilegon, (Banten)," Effendy stated here on Tuesday.
He noted that during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period, trucks crossing from Sumatra to Java would depart from Panjang Port to Indah Kiat Port in Banten.
"During the exodus period, the trucks departed from Ciwandan Port (in Banten) to Panjang Port, but now, Ciwandan Port is the destination point for motorcycles (crossing from Sumatra to Java). This is to ensure better services for travelers as compared to during the exodus," the coordinating minister explained.
Services provided to travelers at Panjang Port are satisfactory, Effendy stated while admitting that truck drivers there might need to wait longer before they can depart.
"The vessel carrying the trucks can depart only when at least 150 vehicles have boarded it. Hence, truck drivers must wait until the capacity passes the required number to depart to Indah Kiat Port," he remarked.
Meanwhile, the coordinating minister lauded the cooperation between stakeholders to ensure the smoothness of the reverse flow during this year's Eid exodus period, particularly during the return of travelers from outside Java to Java Island.
"I also asked travelers to heed announcements and regulations from the government while joining the return flow," Effendy remarked.
He pointed out that President Joko Widodo had also appealed to employees returning to their hometowns to request for extra leave days from their superiors to avoid congestion during the reverse flow peaks.
"As yesterday is the collective leave, (employees) are encouraged to ask for extra leave, as they still have their own leave quota, and they could delay their return to Java except if urgently needed. By doing so, they can avoid the traffic congestion for returning on the same day and hours as others," the coordinating minister stated.
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Translator: Dian Hadiyatna, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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