"Return flow travelers from Sumatra to Java are evenly distributed. God willing, the handling can be much easier compared to the homecoming flow," Effendy noted in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province, Tuesday.
He remarked that the return flow was smooth due to sound cooperation of the community, especially the return flow travelers from Sumatra to Java, which were not focused on certain days and hours when traveling.
Hence, the minister also urged travelers from Sumatra to not rush going back to Java if there was no urgent need to avoid traffic jams.
"I am very pleased with the travelers' cooperation, especially those going back to Java from Sumatra. Please listen to the government's announcements and provisions," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Technical and Facility Director of the state-run ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (ASDP) Kusnadi Candra Wijaya remarked that during the return flow period, some 15 percent of the travelers from Sumatra had crossed over to Java Island.
"Our data during the Eid homecoming flow showed there were 800 thousand passengers and 156 thousand vehicles using our service. Our prediction for the return flow is not far from that figure, and so far, it has only recorded 15 percent of the number of passengers and vehicles on the return flow to Java Island," he stated.
Earlier, Corporate Secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, Shelvy Arifin, stated that based on the Ministry of Transportation's directions, there would be a transfer of port services according to the type of vehicle. Crossings on the Bakauheni-Merak route will be subject to special rules for each class of vehicle.
Starting from April 24-30, 2023, the Bakauheni Port will serve pedestrian crossings, two-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled vehicles, buses, and VB class trucks. The service of class VI B, VII, VIII, and IX trucks will be carried out through the Panjang Port to Indah Kiat Port, Arifin explained.
The Panjang Port will also assist two-wheeled vehicles to cross over to Ciwandan Port on April 29-30, 2023, she remarked.
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Translator: Dian Hadiyatna, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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