A motor boat traveling on the route of Rasau Jaya – Teluk Batang, North Kayong District, West Kalimantan, was crowded with travelers looking to celebrate Eid al-Adha in their hometowns.
“The motor boat, which usually departs at 8 p.m. (local time), had departed early at around 6 p.m. local time. It had taken off the anchor, and the previous motor boat also departed early,” Yogi, one of the passengers, stated in Sukadana, Saturday.
According to Yogi, it is customary for him and most Muslims in North Kayong, on the occasion of major Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Adha, to always take time out to gather with their families in their hometowns.
“I am still studying at one of the universities in Pontianak City. During Eid, the motor boats will definitely be filled with passengers, who will (celebrate) in their hometown,” Yogi, a final semester student, noted.
Umik, another motor boat passenger, admitted that she had to leave early for the port in order to get a slot on the motor boat, which is the preferred mode of water transportation to North Kayong.
“It is because I bring many family members. Hence, I had to come to the port early to get a good place on the boat,” Umik stated.
Earlier, the transportation facilities management staff at the North Kayong District Transportation Office, Mulyo Hariono, said his team always checks the readiness of motor boats traveling through the river.
Hariono said his team had ensured each motorboat’s feasibility for sailing from Teluk Batang to Pontianak and vice versa.
“Before the motor boat departs, our officers always check, starting from the availability of safety equipment, such as life jackets, portable fire extinguishers, and other equipment used for floating,” he remarked.
Source: Antara News