TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi called on citizens to undertake the Eid al-Fitr round trip from Bakauheni port (Lampung province) to Merak port (Banten province) after May 8, 2022, to avoid crowds.

The peak of return traffic at the crossing point is expected to be seen on May 7-8, he said on Saturday while visiting Panjang port in Lampung province.

Panjang Port has been prepared as an alternative port to reduce crowds at Bakauheni Port, he added.

“We have prepared Panjang port to serve passengers and logistics vehicles from Lampung province to Ciwandan port in Banten province,” he said.

The minister said he earlier met passengers from the Motor Vessel (MV) Ciremai, which was serving return traffic to Panjang Port.

People were thrilled 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 motorbikes, 380 cars, as well as 45 trucks and buses crossed the Sunda Strait via the Panjang Port-Ciwandan Port road.

A number of efforts have been made by the government to anticipate an increase in Eid return traffic this year.

As well as urging people to avoid returning during the peak May 6-8 period, the government has also allowed them to take extra time off, while schools have been allowed to provide online learning for a while. time after May 8.

In addition, some regions, such as the district of Bogor, have extended the Eid al-Fitr holiday period for students. Initially, the first day of school was scheduled for May 9. However, it was postponed to May 12.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Bandar Lampung, Eva Dwiana, expressed her support for the government’s policy to make Panjang Port an alternative port to reduce traffic at Bakauheni Port.

“I expect the public to heed the government’s call to return after May 8 for their safety and comfort,” she said.

Lily: 260,000 vehicles entered Puncak since D+1 of Eid

ANTARA