Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has appealed to citizens to undertake the Eid al-Fitr return trip from Bakauheni Port (Lampung province) to Merak Port (Banten province) after May 8, 2022, to avoid crowds.
The peak of the return traffic at the crossing is estimated to be observed on May 7–8, he informed while reviewing Panjang Harbor in Lampung province on Saturday.
Panjang Port has been prepared as an alternative port to reduce crowds at Bakauheni Port, he added.
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"We have prepared Panjang Port to serve passengers and logistics vehicles from Lampung province to Ciwandan Port, Banten province," he stated.
The minister said that earlier, he had met passengers of Motor Vessel (MV) Ciremai, which served the returning crossing traffic at Panjang Port.
The people were delighted with the service, he noted.
"God willing, it (the alternative crossing arrangement) will be carried out every year during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period," he remarked.
From Wednesday (May 4) to Saturday afternoon (May 7), 4,787 passengers, 862 motorcycles, 380 cars, as well as 45 trucks and buses crossed the Sunda Strait through the Panjang Port-Ciwandan Port route.
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A number of efforts have been taken by the government to anticipate a surge in the Eid return traffic this year.
In addition to urging people to avoid returning during the peak traffic period from May 6–8, the government has also allowed them to take additional leave, while schools have been permitted to conduct online learning for some time after May 8.
Furthermore, some regions, such as Bogor district, have extended the Eid al-Fitr holiday period for students. Initially, the first day of school was planned on May 9. However, it has been postponed to May 12.
Meanwhile, Bandar Lampung Mayor Eva Dwiana has voiced support for the government's policy to make Panjang Port an alternative port to reduce traffic at Bakauheni Port.
"I expect the public to obey the government's appeal to return after May 8 for their safety and comfort,” she said.
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Editor : Mahdani
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