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Monitor Nataru 2024/2025 At Tanjung Priok, Minister Of Transportation Ensures Smooth Sea Transportation
Tuesday, 31 Dec 2024
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi reported that the transportation for Christmas and New Year (Nataru) 2024/2025 by sea is currently running smoothly.
"During this Nataru period, we are visiting various ports to check the readiness of sea transport facilities and ensure smooth travel for passengers. We are talking to many travelers, making sure our team is prepared, and inspecting the condition of the ships that will be used," said the Minister while monitoring Nataru travel with Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on Sunday (December 29).
The Minister also urged all sea transport service providers and stakeholders to prioritize safety and security for passengers to ensure optimal service.
At Tanjung Priok, Minister Dudy and Minister AHY inspected the passenger terminal facilities and greeted passengers of the KM Labobar ship, which is set to sail from Jakarta to Surabaya, Makassar, Baubau, Ambon, and several areas in Papua.
Minister Dudy noted that Tanjung Priok Port is a key point for passenger movement in and out of Jakarta. As previously predicted, there has been an increase in the number of sea transport and ferry passengers during Nataru compared to regular days, all of which are being well managed by PT Pelindo, PT Pelni, and other private ship operators.
According to PT Pelni data, ticket sales for Pelni passenger ships to and from Tanjung Priok from December 11, 2024, to January 8, 2025, reached 13,425 people, with the busiest routes being to Makassar, Batam, and Belawan.
Menko AHY stated that the maritime transport sector remains a favorite among the public, especially when considering travel costs. Although it may take longer than other transport modes, maritime travel is generally more cost-effective.
"Our society still greatly needs maritime transport. Therefore, in the future, we must increase the number of ships to meet public demand and also renew older vessels," Menko AHY explained.
He emphasized the importance of safety and security on ships, along with comfort, cleanliness, and order. "We have checked all instruments, and they are functioning well. Hopefully, the captain and crew can perform their duties effectively," added Menko AHY.
Increase in Sea Transport Passengers
Overall, data from the Integrated Nataru Post of the Ministry of Transportation shows that the total number of sea transport passengers during the period of December 18 to 28, 2024, reached 1.741 million people, an increase of 1.16% compared to the same period last year. The ports with the highest passenger departures and arrivals during Nataru are Merak, Bakauheni, Nusa Penida, Batam, and Tanjung Balai Karimun.
The government has prepared over 700 ships from 110 ports across Indonesia for Nataru. For ferry transport, there are 159 ferry units available, with a capacity of over 2 million passengers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation is offering free homecoming trips with the largest quota for sea transport. Out of more than 38,000 free seats available for Nataru 2024/2025, over 29,000 seats are allocated for sea transport users across all routes in Indonesia.
Various strategies are in place to anticipate extreme weather and traffic congestion.
