The number of passengers crossing to Sumatra this year increased by 6 percent from 335,603 in the same period of 2022, he said in Cilegon, Banten.
Travelers from Java came from cities such as Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, and some regions of Central and East Java provinces.
So far, crossing by ferry has been smooth, with the wave height recorded at 1.25 meters (low) in the northern part of the Sunda Strait, which is the route for crossing between Merak and Bakauheni.
Some passengers were also New Year's vacationers.
“We have advised car drivers to purchase their tickets one day before their departure. This is to ensure smooth operation on the dock of Merak Port,” Suharto informed.
He said that a total of 80,274 vehicles crossed from Java to Sumatra from December 18 to 25, 2023, a 10-percent increase from 72,723 vehicles in the same period of 2022.
Merak Port recorded 40,888 passengers crossing on Christmas Day until December 26, a 5-percent increase from 38,972 in the same period of last year.
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Translator: Mansyur, Luthfia, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Anton Santoso
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