Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif Ensures That Fuel Is Sufficient For The Smooth Transportation Of Ships

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif said that sufficient fuel oil is available for the smooth transportation of ships.

"We guarantee that the stock of fuel is relatively safe and sufficient for the smooth transportation of ships," said ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif at Merak Port, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, April 18.

Minister Arifin also monitors the readiness of the ESDM sector in dealing with the flow of Eid homecoming at the Merak Port crossing which is predicted to spike on Wednesday 19 April or D-3 until Thursday 20 April or D-2.

Currently, he said, the handling of homecoming services is increasing ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, in the face of this year's Eid transportation, it is necessary to be aware of the increase or movement of passengers and vehicles.

"We must not be careless in monitoring the current situation regarding the peak of the homecoming flow so that it can be anticipated properly. For this reason, all relevant parties must always evaluate and continue to improve their services," said Arifin.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources also emphasized the importance of good coordination and communication between all stakeholders, especially in ensuring the availability of its main fuel supply for Ferry ships for the smooth running of crossing services at Merak Port.

This coordination, he said, is needed to ensure the safety, security, and safety of travelers who will cross the port.

Based on data from the Merak Command Post for 24 hours (period 17 April 2023 at 08.00 WIB to 18 April 2023 at 08.00 WIB) or D-5, the number of ships operating was 43 ships. The realization of the total passengers reached 82,448 people or decreased by 13 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year as many as 94,561 people.

The realization of two-wheeled vehicles reached 4,441 units, down 19 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 5,499 units. It was recorded that the realization of four-wheeled vehicles reached 10,650 units, down 17 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 12,876 units.

The total number of vehicles recorded was 18,195 units that had crossed from Java to Sumatra on D-5 or decreased by 16 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 21,574 units. Meanwhile, the total number of passengers crossing from Java to Sumatra ranging from D-10 to D-5 was recorded at 339,340 people, an increase of nine percent compared to the realization of the same period last year as many as 310,196 people. And for the total vehicles that had crossed were recorded at 78,522 units, an increase of six percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 74,156 units.

In contrast, data from the Bakauheni Command Post on D-5 (24 hours) recorded the realization of total passengers reaching 46,396 people, an increase of 15 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year as many as 40,449 people. It was recorded that the realization of four-wheeled vehicles reached 5,517 units, an increase of eight percent compared to the realization of the same period last year as many as 5,104 units. A total of 8,258 vehicles were recorded that had crossed from Sumatra to Java on D-5 or an increase of four percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 7,943 units.

Meanwhile, the total number of passengers crossing from Sumatra to Java from D-10 to D-5 was recorded at 214,203 people, an increase of 11 percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 192,833 people. And for the total number of vehicles that had crossed, 44,877 units were recorded, an increase of six percent compared to the realization of the same period last year of 42.417 units.

Seeing the trend of moving vehicles and passengers on the busiest Merak - Bakauheni track which is starting to increase, ASDP appreciates people who have followed President Jokowi's advice to go home early, and make ticket reservations long ago.

Service users are required to buy Eid tickets early, because tickets can be ordered through the Ferizy application and web since D-60 before departure.

For the convenience of the travelers, please do not buy tickets at the broker. Apart from online, travelers can buy tickets at retail outlets such as Alfamart, Indomaret, Agent BRILink, and others. Meanwhile, ticket payments can be made through interbank transfers, e-wallet, retail outlets, internet banking and others. "Homecomers are expected to fill in their personal data for the manifest completely and correctly, do not use other people's personal data. Make sure passenger data and vehicles are recorded, so that they are protected by crossing insurance," said Shelvy.