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Monitor Nataru Crossing Java-Sumatra, Minister Of Transportation Instructs To Prepare For Congestion

The Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, has directed several measures to prepare for the expected congestion on the Java-Sumatra ferry route during the 2024/2025 holiday season. He shared this information while monitoring passenger and vehicle movement at Merak Port and BBJ Bojonegara Port in Banten early on Saturday, December 21.

The Merak-Bakauheni route is a key area where congestion is anticipated as Christmas and New Year approach. Therefore, the Minister has instructed all stakeholders to implement various preparedness steps that the government has arranged to handle the increase in passengers and vehicles.

Some of the actions include establishing a service operation pattern for the Merak-Bakauheni ferry route, categorized into three conditions: normal, busy, and very busy. During normal conditions, 30 ferries will operate, increasing to 31 during busy times and 33 during very busy periods.

In addition to increasing the number of ferries, during busy conditions, trucks (categories VII-IX) will be redirected to Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) Port, and the Tuks Indah Kiat-Merak area will serve as a buffer for four-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles and cargo vehicles will be redirected to PT. Pelindo Regional 2 Banten – Ciwandan Port if conditions become very busy.

"We want to ensure that all preparations are in place, including facilities, ferry availability, and the management of passenger and vehicle flow. The Merak-Bakauheni route is crucial for facilitating transportation during the holiday season," said Minister Dudy.

He also reminded everyone to be prepared for extreme weather that could impact ferry operations and the toll road leading to Merak Port. Preventive steps are needed to reduce the impact of extreme weather, such as being ready for system delays.

The Minister of Transportation also urged the public using ferry services to plan their trips carefully. He advised people to buy tickets online and to avoid going to the port without a ticket.

"We ask the public to plan their journeys well, follow the rules, keep the area clean, and use official information from ASDP and the Ministry of Transportation about schedules and port conditions," the Minister added.

During his visit, Minister Dudy inspected several key facilities at the port, including the dock and the operations control center. He also spoke with truck drivers waiting to cross from the BBJ Bojonegara Port.

Tag: Dudy Purwagandhi Minister Of Transportation Monitor Nataru