JAKARTA: As the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year travel period approaches, the authorities are prioritising maritime safety at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, East Java, which is expected to experience heavy traffic.
During an inspection of Indonesia's second-largest port, after Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi on Thursday urged all personnel to prioritise safety measures on the water.
"Ship inspections must not be overlooked, and weather conditions should always be considered before departure,” he said in a statement issued by the Transport Ministry on Friday (Dec 20).
With a surge in passengers expected, the minister stressed the importance of managing services to prevent congestion at the port.
"Attention should be given to the flow of incoming and outgoing passengers. Access for passengers should be made easier to ensure fast and comfortable service,” Dudy added.
According to the Tanjung Perak Port Authority, passenger traffic is expected to rise by 20 per cent, with an estimated 147,383 passengers, up from 122,819 in the previous year.
In anticipation of this surge, the port has prepared 41 ships from six operators, offering a total capacity of 342,044 passengers.
Three terminals have also been set up to manage the increase and ensure smooth passenger flow while minimising congestion. - Bernama
