Extreme Weather Overshadows Nataru Holiday, Minister Of Transportation Dudy Warns Opposite Operators

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The 2024 Christmas and New Year 2025 (Nataru) holidays take place when the peak of the rainy season occurs in parts of Indonesia. The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) also warned crossing operators about the potential for high waves that may occur during that period.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi paid special attention to the operator of Merak-Bakauheni Port. This is because the port is a point that has the potential for congestion during the Nataru holiday.

Dudy also visited several locations on the operation plan route on the Brand-Bekauheni crossing track. The visit was carried out to ensure the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, and safety aspects given the unfriendly weather at the end of the year.

Merak-Bakauheni Port is one of the crucial points that has the potential to occur in density. The movement of ferry ships is estimated at 29.83 percent. The Ministry of Transportation continues to carry out inspection of facilities and increase supervision," he said in an official statement, Monday, December 9.

Dudy said the Land Transportation Management Center (BPTD) involving the Directorate of River Transportation, Lake, Crossing (TSDP) had also ramp checked ferry ships from October 10 to November 15, 2024.

To the stakeholders of the ferry sector, Dudy also reminded the importance of anticipating transportation services that are affected by extreme weather.

Dudy also instructed stakeholders to coordinate with the BMKG of their respective regions to prepare themselves for weather forecast conditions or high waves.

"I'm sure this has been done, but I ask for more frequent and thorough coordination. This weather condition will affect the departure schedule and arrival of ships. We must maintain crossing activities for the safety of passengers," he said.