Transportation Minister Forecasts Increase ini Ship Travelers

"However, to handle the increase, our preparations will be the same as last year. The only difference is that this year, the TNI (military) will lend us two ships: KRI Banda Aceh and KRI Banjarmasin to carry the travelers," he remarked after attending the commemoration of shipping safety and World Sea Day at Tanjung Emas Port here on Friday.

The minister stated that in order to serve the Merak-Bahauheni ferry passengers, he will operate three ferry ships, with each weighing five thousand gross tons.

Meanwhile, he noted that air passengers are also expected to increase by 2-3 percent while the number of land travelers is forecast to decline.

"I anticipate a reduction in the number of people travelling by land, as many will opt for trains or flights. It can become a serious matter if they choose to travel by private cars. My forecast is that the number of private car travelers will increase 5 to 7 percent," he pointed out.

Hence, the minister stated that his office has already coordinated with the traffic police and public works ministry with regard to the infrastructure.

Jonan revealed that at the start of the fasting month, he plans to invite provincial governors for consolidation.

"Basically, it is all about how to reduce accidents, and so, the preparations must be made better, and information services must also be improved," he affirmed.

When questioned about ways to reduce the number of private car users, the minister said he could elaborate on it. He forecast that the number of private cars will certainly increase if the toll roads are longer and better.

He noted that although the number of land travelers is forecast to drop, his office would still prepare buses to cater to the Lebaran (Eid) travelers, and this year, around 800 more buses will be made available.

"We must ensure that the buses are roadworthy," he emphasized.

With regard to sea transportation, Minister Jonan hoped that the rate of accidents would drop to reach a "zero accident" level.

"Last year, the number was 450, or 1.5 times a day, on an average. This must be reduced. We hope that it reaches a zero accident level," he said.

In view of this, he called on all port officials to adopt a more disciplined approach. "Do not use the weather conditions as an excuse because it is the same as blaming God. There are only two factors behind accidents: technical factors and human errors. This is what should be given serious attention," he noted.

Regarding the issue of overcapacity, the minister remarked that a regulation has already been issued by the government.

"We have issued a regulation regarding the loading or passenger capacity. There is a limit of tolerance," he stated.

"One of the requirements for a person to be able to board a ship is to have a ticket. So, if the capacity is already full, then do not sell more tickets. With regard to this, monitoring must be conducted by the port's chief," he added.