Some Notes About The 2023 Eid Homecoming Flow To Sumatra

The queue of travelers using motorbikes at Ciwandan Port, Cilegon City, Banten. (Special)

JAKARTA – Empowering Ciwandan Port, Cilegon, Banten specifically for travelers on motorcycles and goods cars crossing to Sumatra Island, according to Djoko Setijowarno, is the right step. So that there is a separation between passenger cars and buses that still go through Merak Port.

This step was able to break down the queues that often occur like previous years' homecoming season at Merak Port, especially during the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In general, the choice of managing the transportation needs of travelers who will cross to Sumatra Island can be said to be successful. The average waiting time for travelers on motorbikes is less than an hour to board the ship," said Djoko, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Center for Regional Empowerment and Strengthening of the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI).

Ciwandan Harbor provides 5 piers. There are 12 units of Ferry Motor Vessels (KMP) operating at Bakauheni Port and 6 ships heading to Panjang Port.

Not only that, but other infrastructure facilities are also quite adequate. The large yard at Ciwandan Harbor gives flexibility in arranging for travelers using motorbikes and freight cars to get temporary shelters.

Realization of passenger and vehicle volumes in Java–Sumatra. (Director General of Land Transportation)

“Tents are also provided in the temporary shelter area. Also, toilets, passenger waiting rooms, children's playrooms, nursing rooms, prayer rooms, health posts, and MSME areas are provided," he told VOI on April 24.

So far, said Djoko, there have been 132,001 people and 69,323 vehicles passing through Ciwandan Port. A total of 128,270 people and 66,790 of them headed for Bakauheni Port. The rest headed for the Long Harbor.

In total, during the period April 12-21 2023, the number of passengers and vehicles that had crossed from Java Island to Sumatra Island was 848,274 people and 195,984 vehicles.

From the Merak Crossing Port to Bakauheni Port, there were 716,273 people and 126,661 vehicles.

Evaluation Material

Even though it is considered successful, it does not mean that it is without evaluation. Djoko noted that there were still a number of concerns encountered in the field. The number of travelers using motorbikes is still quite high, many are even overloaded.

"Two people should be enough with bags, here are some who bring one or two children. Not to mention other items that are tied near the footrest so that it becomes less comfortable. Also, the distance from the place of origin to Ciwandan Harbor is an average of more than two hours," he said.

So, Djoko suggested that it would be better if the number of free homecoming fleets to Sumatra Island was increased next year.

"Currently, only 2 cities are targeted, Palembang and Bandar Lampung. Next year the fleet will be expanded. Also, the target areas are expanded," Djoko continued.

In addition, there are also many freight cars that are oversized and overloaded. In fact, according to Djoko, the number is almost 100 percent

In accordance with the Joint Decree of the Director General of Land Transportation, Head of the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps, and Director General of Highways Number KP-DRJD 2616 of 2023 Number SKB/48/IV/2023 Number 05/PKS/Db/2023 concerning Traffic Management Roads and Crossings During the Period of Homecoming and Backflow of Eid Transportation in 2023/1444 Hijri.

Trucks carrying new motorbikes are still allowed to enter ships at Ciwandan Port, Cilegon even though they are in the 2023 Eid homecoming period. (Special)

In this regulation, the operation of goods vehicles is carried out on 5 categories of vehicles, namely:

1. Freight cars with a Total Permitted Weight (JBI) of more than 14,000 kilograms.
2. Freight cars with 3 or more axles;
3. freight cars with attached carriages;
4. freight cars with trailers; And
5. Goods cars used for transporting excavated products (soil, sand, stone), mining products, and building materials.

Operational restrictions do not apply to the transportation of goods carrying fuel oil or gas fuel, money transfer, livestock, fertilizer, motorbikes going back and forth free of charge, and basic goods.

However, it must still be accompanied by a letter of lading with provisions issued by the owner of the goods being transported, a letter of lading with a description of the type of goods being transported, the purpose of sending the goods, and the name and address of the owner of the goods. These letters must be affixed to the left windshield.

The reality, said Djoko, is that there is a lot of freight transport that is not compatible with commodities. In fact, some who don't have a KIR can still enter the ship.

“This also needs to be evaluated. There are still many vehicles that violate the rules. Overloaded, not suitable for commodities. In fact, some who don't have a KIR can still enter the ship. I checked and recorded several videos," he said.

Djoko hopes that the density at Bakauheni Port during the return flow this week can also be handled properly.

"Hopefully this year's homecoming season can run well and smoothly," he added.