"'Properly' has many meanings. It can mean comfortably and safely. Each time (the president) called me, (he always asked) 'How is it, Mr Minister?' So, do not assume the president does not know about the congestion at Ciwandan and Merak ports," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi stated here.
Sumadi, who accompanied Jokowi in observing the Eid homecoming activities at Jakarta's Pasar Senen Station on Monday, apologized for the congestion at the Port of Merak, Banten.
The minister stated that the congestion was caused by a sudden surge in the number of travelers by up to 65 percent at the port. He pointed out that some travelers also did not have tickets while arriving at Merak.
To address the situation, Sumadi personally observed the condition at Merak Port on Sunday (April 7) and collaborated with the local police and traffic police corps.
"We have set up a (communication) group and regularly observe the conditions by the hour. We will (take measures to) address any congestion. For instance, we received bad weather notice yesterday (which caused) stagnation, and we promptly addressed it," the minister stated.
"The president, from day to day, is also constantly calling me," he added.
Related news: Manpower Minister asks companies to run free Eid homecoming programs
Meanwhile, the minister revealed that Eid homecoming activities at railway stations proceeded smoothly according to the plan.
"Travelers have obtained their tickets. No congestion occurred (at the train station)," he confirmed.
Sumadi noted that during this year's Eid travel season, some 4.2 million passengers traveled by train. Railway ticket sales reached 99.98 percent, with most passengers recorded at Jakarta's Pasar Senen Station and Surabaya's Pasar Turi Station.
The minister affirmed that the government had also instructed airlines to optimize their aircraft use to cater to more passengers during the Eid period.
"With 420 aircraft, we can transport more passengers, and it means more flights. We also extend the airports' operating hours," he stated.
He also remarked that residents traveling by land transport have increased by 13 percent, with most traveling through the Cikopo-Palimanan toll road in West Java. Related news: Manpower ministry dispatches 7,000 homecoming participants
Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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