Merak, Banten (ANTARA News) - A few hundreds of cargo trucks could not yet go on aboard the ferries sailing from Merak seaport in Java to Bakauheni port in Lampung province, Sumatra island, truck drivers said.

"I have been told by the national water-crossing transportation operator PT ASDP Ferry Indonesia`s authorities that the trucks have been waiting for being transported to Sumatra since Thursday due to high sea waves and strong winds," Chandra Maga said here Sunday.

The truck driver said the ASDP authorities still prioritized private cars and trucks loading quickly-rotten goods as fruits and vegetables.

"The trucks loading vegetables, fruits, and other sorts of vulnerable agricultural products remain prioritized by the ASDP authorities," Maga said.

However, other cargo trucks got less priorities, he said.

Another truck driver named Subhan said he had been waiting for his turn since Friday night.
But, his truck could have been shipped by the ASDP ferry on Sunday evening, he said.


"I was supposed to arrive in Medan, North Sumatra provincial capital city on Monday, but I cannot do that," he said.

Subhan said his truck bringing livestock food would have arrived in the city by Tuesday or early on Wednesday.

Due to this unexpected situation, he had to spend extra money for meeting his daily needs, such as meals and accommodation during his waiting time, he said.

Chief of the Merak-based ASDP office, Teja Suparna, was not available for comment on the stranded trucks. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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