Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Merak
The principal seaport connecting Java and Sumatra islands, Merak in Banten is preparing for a surge in travelers ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday.
Millions of people across the country will be on the move ahead of Idul Fitri, as Muslims return to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Merak operational manager Endin Juhaendi said the port expected a significant increase in traveler numbers from Oct. 10 to 17. Idul Fitri will fall on Oct. 13 and 14 this year.
"The port serves an average of 60 round-trip ferry journeys per day between Merak and Bakauheni in Lampung, carrying some 12,000 passengers in total.
"For the upcoming holiday season, we will serve 75 to 90 round-trip journeys a day," Endin said Tuesday.
Merak is managed by state-owned river, lake and sea ferry transportation operator PT ASDP.
Endin said the company would deploy 20 ferries and seven motorized vessels to handle the increased passenger load.
He said 14 of the ferries were made in the 1970s and due to their age did not meet the safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization, though they are still being operated by ASDP.
He said the company had asked the government to purchase new ferries, but had yet to receive a response.
There was a string of sea accidents earlier this year, most involving older ships and ferries that were filled to overcapacity.
The port operator just built a special dock at Merak for newer, faster vessels that are able to make more trips in a day than the older vessels.
Endin said an additional 12 ticket booths would also be built at the port, supplementing the current four booths.
"The new booths will include five for passengers, five for motorists and two for motorcyclists," he said.
To anticipate and deal with heavy congestion at the port's entrance, the operator has prepared two large parking lots to accommodate the expected overflow of thousands of trucks.
"But no trucks will be allowed to cross seven days before and seven days after Idul Fitri," Endin said, adding that mandatory security checks on all vehicles would inevitably cause long delays.
The head of ship seaworthiness at Merak Port, Adang Rodiana, said 20 ferries would be operated, with seven more being held in reserve for the peak travel days ahead of and after the holiday.
"Although there are 30 vessels available at the port, not all of them can operate because the port only has four wharves and can not accommodate more," he said.
He said six of the port's 27 ferries were not in perfect working condition, and four others were still in dock.
"Although they have met the required safety standards it's too risky to operate them during peak hours," he said.
Separately, head of the Merak bus terminal, Uteng Dedy Apendi, said a total of 701 buses were being readied to transport ferry passengers.
"Luckily, at this new terminal we have more room to accommodate more buses and transit passengers so there is nothing to worry about. We will do our best to serve holidaymakers."
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