The backup strategy was conceived during the coordination meeting on Eid return management in Lampung on Friday (April 12), with attendees comprising Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhdjir Effendy and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.
Effendy, in his remarks received here on Saturday, stated that the meeting aims to discuss the management of return crossings from Bakauheni, Panjang, and Bandar Bakau Jaya ports in Lampung to Merak and Ciwandan ports in Banten.
“We have agreed on several aspects. Our remaining task is to ensure it is carried out and supervise its implementation,” the coordinating minister remarked.
He noted that the authority decided to classify the delaying system at ports into three: green, yellow, and red.
Green level means normal traffic, which requires no specialized handling. Meanwhile, the yellow level means the congestion of incoming traffic has reached one kilometer from the port gate, which will trigger the delay system by the activation of five rest areas and four buffer zones for travelers.
“When the traffic congestion extends to four kilometers from the gate, the level will be red. All rest areas and special toll sections will be activated,” Effendy remarked.
Meanwhile, Minister Sumadi spoke of having instructed state ferry company PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to prepare contingency plans to ensure smooth Eid return flow and avoid congestion.
He also instructed the company to immediately issue a sailing order when requested.
“In essence, the cohesiveness of the regulator, operator, and on-site officers (are needed). I believe the command is in the Lampung governor’s and police chief’s hands, who can reprimand under-performing operators and regulators to improve their work,” Sumadi stated.
“We expect a happy, safe, and secure Eid travel to be realized,” he added.
The minister said he would optimize Panjang Port in Lampung, including operating three ships to serve passengers in the port with departure hours at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. local time.
“Travelling from Bandar Lampung will be more efficient, as travelers are no longer to depart from Bakauheni Port,” he stated.
Sumadi also stressed that three-axle trailers are not allowed to operate during the Eid travel period, as their large size could impede the traffic flow.
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Translator: Ahmad Muzdaffar F, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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