President Jokowi Inspects Merak Port

President Jokowi deliveres press statement following the inspection at Merak Port, Cilegon city, Banten province on Tuesday (04/11). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

In a bid to ensure the smooth flow of mudik (annual going hometown ahead of Eid Al-Fitr), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (04/11) inspected Merak Port at Cilegon city, Banten province.

“Addressing the problems that occurred during mudik flow last year, especially on toll roads and at Merak Port, I am here to ensure that the preparations and planning designs are completely ready,” President Jokowi stated after inspection.

Furthermore, the President asked all stakeholders to calculate in detail the planning for this year’s mudik flow, where it is estimated that the number of travelers will increase from 86 million to 123 million. “Such issue must be calculated, so I asked earlier in detail for I wish the same problem did not occur this year,” he added.

President Jokowi also expressed appreciation for efforts made by stakeholders to anticipate the congestion at Merak Port, including the addition of jetty ports at Bojonegara Port (PT BBJ) and Ciwandan Port which increased their passenger capacity from 34 thousand to 49 thousand.

“Please arrange the management in the field, which ports are specifically for motorcycles, which are the ports specifically for cars and small vehicles and buses, and which are the ports specifically for heavy vehicles. Please separate it,” he said.

In addition, President Jokowi called to all travelers who want to use ferry services at the port to order tickets in advance via e-ticketing.

“Passengers without tickets have been disturbing in the past year. Now, all passengers must buy a ticket before entering the port,” he remarked. (BPMI SETPRES/AIT) (GWH/HD)