Peak Homecoming Flow Predicted Today, Ministry Of Transportation Implements 4 Strategies To Loose Vehicle Density At Merak Port

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation is implementing four strategies to ease the density of vehicles at Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten, at the peak of the homecoming flow which is predicted to take place on April 29-30 2022.

First, as said by the Director of River, Lake and Crossing Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) Junaidi at the Merak branch of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Office, Cilegon, Banten, Saturday 30 April, increasing the number of ferry boats.

Starting Friday, April 29, Junaidi said, there were 42 ships departing from Merak Port to Bakauheni Port, eight more than the previous day.

Then, to expand the port capacity, the Ministry of Transportation uses an additional pier, namely the one at the Indah Kiat Port.

Here, travelers are transported by ship KM Mutiara Ferindo VII to Panjang Port in Bandar Lampung, not to Bakauheni Port like ships from Merak.

"On Friday, April 29, we dispatched Mutiara Ferindo VII, which transported 362 vehicles to Panjang Port," Junaidi said, quoted from Antara.

While the third strategy is to add ships that are directed to Panjang Harbor. For this, the Ministry of Transportation uses KM Mutiara Berkah I. This ship will begin functioning on Saturday 30 April.

"Mutiara Berkah I will sail from Indah Kiat," said Junaidi.

The Ministry of Transportation itself stated that not only Indah Kiat, a sea port in Banten, namely Bojonegara, would also be used to reduce the work intensity of the Merak Port.

The last strategy is to operate Pier 1 of Merak Harbor which previously could not be used because it was under renovation.

"Dock 1 has been completed. We will also try to speed up loading and unloading and increase ship trips," said Junaidi.

Junaidi also emphasized that all ferry boats that are currently pacing back and forth transporting travelers from Merak Port are in good condition and have no administrative problems.