Jakarta (ANTARA) – Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Saturday visited Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, and Gilimanuk Port in Bali to review the readiness of ferry and port facilities as well as infrastructure ahead of the year-end holidays.He was accompanied by Head of the Police Traffic Corps, Brigadier General Aan Suhanan, and President Director of state ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia, Ira Puspadewi.

He said he expected that the readiness of port and ferry facilities and infrastructure for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays would support travelers’ comfort.

“Since two months ago, we have been coordinating with the police traffic corps and ASDP. With coordination, there have been some improvements,” the minister added.

He said that passenger services at Ketapang and Gilimanuk ports have been improved to welcome the holiday period.

SDP has increased the capacity of ferries at Ketapang port to enable them to accommodate 12,885 small vehicles this year. Meanwhile, the port’s capacity has been increased to 1,570 small vehicles.

Pier IV of Gilimanuk port, which had a capacity of 10 tons, has been upgraded to a movable bridge pier with a capacity of 60 tons.

In addition, ASDP has prepared for handling cars or other vehicles and logistics arrangements ahead of the holidays.

Ketapang Port will only serve ferry passengers’ vehicles, while freight trucks will be diverted to Tanjung Wangi Port managed by state port operator PT Pelindo and Jangkar Port in Situbondo.

“From our evaluation with Mr. Suhanan and Mrs. Puspadewi, there are additional three large ferries so that passengers who will cross from Banyuwangi to Bali will increase as well,” he said.

Source: Antara News Agency