Three RoRo Ships Alerted At Indah Harbor Kiat Cilegon Breaks Over Density In Merak

ILLUSTRATION/MERAK PORT/BETWEEN DOCKS

MERAK - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said three large RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ships were on standby at Indah Kiat Port, Cilegon, to relieve congestion at Merak Port, Banten.

"At the Indah Kiat Port, three large RoRo ships will be prepared with a route to Panjang Port, Lampung," said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi as quoted by Antara, Saturday, April 30.

The Minister of Transportation stated that trucks were directed to Indah Kiat Port. The ship used is a large ship so one way it can carry around 200 vehicles.

The Minister of Transportation revealed that the density of vehicles that would enter the ship on April 25, 2022, was caused by vehicles already in the port parking area even though the ship's departure schedule was still a bit long.

“Yesterday, there was a struggle to enter the ship first, not according to the existing schedule. So people who should have departed can't even get on the ship," he explained.

Meanwhile, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Rudy Heriyanto stated that with the opening of the Indah Kiat Port for logistics vehicles, the homecoming flow could be served by 8 docks. In addition to the 7 ASDP Merak ferry port piers which consist of 1 executive pier and 6 regular piers.

The Regional Police Chief also added that the operation of the Indah Kiat Port to serve logistics vehicles, will reduce the pressure on the flow of going back and forth through the ASDP Merak Ferry Port.

We will continue to make various efforts so that the homecoming flow is smooth," said the Kapolda.

Director of APP Sinar Mas, Suhendra Wiriadinata, said that the Port of Indah Kiat is a subsidiary of APP Sinar Mas.

Currently, Indah Kiat Port, Cilegon is functioned as an alternative port for logistical vehicles and travelers to relieve congestion at Merak Port during the homecoming flow of Lebaran 1443 Hijriah.

"We support the Government's directive to help ease congestion and overcrowding at Merak Port for travelers," he said.

It is hoped that the opening of the Indah Kiat Port will be a solution to help smooth the queue for crossing transportation vehicles during the homecoming period.

"The operation of the Indah Kiat Port is to help travelers return home and celebrate Eid with their families," he said.