Anticipating the 2022 Lebaran Backflow, Three Ministers Visit Panjang Port

Lampung, 4 May 2022 – In order to reduce the queue density during the return flow of Lebaran Transport in 2022, especially on crossing services from Sumatra to Java, the Government has prepared the Panjang Port, Lampung as an alternative port to serve travelers.

This was raised during a working visit to ensure readiness for handling backflows by a number of ministers, namely, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, and Minister of Human Development, Indonesian Culture Muhadjir Effendy. Also attending the visit were the National Police Chief of Traffic, Firman Shantyabudi, Governor of Lampung Arinal Djunaidi, and Managing Director of Pelindo Putut Sri Muljanto.

In his remarks, the Minister of Human Development, Culture of Indonesia, Muhadjir Effendy said "The homecoming flow in 2022 is different in terms of the number of travelers compared to the previous year, we appreciate the relevant parties in their efforts to make the homecoming flow successful in 2022, especially in terms of ensuring the safety of travelers".

The Minister of Transportation said that the opening of the Port of Panjang route, Lampung - Port of Ciwandan, Banten or vice versa was a form of anticipation carried out by the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Ministry of BUMN in unraveling the overcrowding traffic back and forth. Pelindo's role as a Port Operator is expected to assist in the implementation of backflow activities this year by adding routes that can serve an additional fleet of ships.

The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, also expressed his readiness to support the smooth return flow by maximizing ports and ships under the management of state-owned transportation operators.

"From the start, I asked BUMN to support the Ministry of Transportation in realizing safe and healthy homecoming and return flows. BUMN and the Ministry of Transportation continue to coordinate intensively in anticipating a number of dynamics that occur in the field so that Eid transportation services on return flows continue to run smoothly, safely, comfortably and congratulations," said Erick Thohir.

In order to provide maximum service for the return flow, Pelindo provides mooring facilities at Panjang Port, Lampung and Ciwandan Port, Banten, each with 4 (four) moorings. The mooring has been emptied on 5-8 May 2022 specifically to transport return vehicles for Eid. Large capacity roro ships that can accommodate 800 small vehicles or 624 mixed vehicles will be operated serving the Long Port – Ciwandan route.

The President Director of Pelindo, Arif Suhartono said "We are ready to support and succeed in the Government's program to anticipate the surge in passengers and vehicles, both 2 and 4-wheeled in the return flow of Lebaran in 2022, especially from Panjang Port."

Pelindo also prepares service officers with a 24/7 pattern, supporting facilities such as a parking area for travelers' vehicles, as well as tents for resting places. Based on estimates from the Ministry of Transportation, the peak of reverse traffic density will occur on May 6-8, 2022.

"Serving the community is something that is continuously maintained through cooperation, coordination and collaboration with the TNI, Polri, Central and Regional Governments so that the flow of going back and forth this year can run smoothly," said Erick Thohir.