"It is predicted to increase by 3 percent from that in the previous year," the minister remarked here on Tuesday.
Mangindaan has forecast that there will be an increase in the number of passengers using various modes of transportation, including sea transportation where passengers are expected to increase by three percent from that recorded during last years Idul Fitri period.
The number of sea transportation passengers is expected to reach 1,573,986 or an increase of 45,845 from those in 2013, which stood at 1,528,141 passengers.
In connection with the predicted increase in the number of passengers, the Ministry of Transportation has cooperated with relevant ministries, service providers, and organizers of sea transportation for the post-fasting Lebaran travelers.
"Sea transportation for Idul Fitri travelers will commence 15 days before the D-Day and last until 15 days after the D-Day," the minister explained.
The transportation ministry has also set up an integrated Idul Fitri Sea Transportation Command Post for monitoring and controlling the sea traffic.
"The command post is expected to control and coordinate all sea transportation processes for Idul Fitri or Lebaran travelers," the minister reported.
Mangindaan explained that his side has ordered the concerned officials to effectively supervise the security of passengers, including control on ticket scalpers, excessive ticket price hikes that exceed the set tariffs based on regulations, and neglected passengers.
"The officials in charge must be sensitive in giving information to the public, so that the public will understand the facilities we have prepared for them. They have to continue communicating with each other," the minister stressed.
(KR-BSR)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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