TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Merak branch of PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) Indonesia received two additional vessels that will serve passengers for Merak-Bakauheni routes. The vessels are currently in Merak but has not been handed over by the Transportation Ministry to PT ASDP.
PT ASDP spokesman Mario Sardadi Oetomo said from the three new domestic-made vessels that are already in Merak, only two will be handed over to ASDP, the MV Legundi and MV Sebuku.
“If I’m not mistaken, it will be handed over from the Transportation Ministry to ASDP in May 28,” Mario said on Tuesday, May 19.
According to Mario, the three domestic-made vessels plan to be used for the 2015 Homecoming season of Eid al-Fitr day. “Hopefully it could be operable for Eid transport,” he said.
Previously, the Lake, River and Crossing Transportation Traffic Director to the Transportation Ministry Eddy Gunawan said since the arrival of these new vessels in Merak, the department has yet determine the administrator for the vessels with 5,000 GT capacity.
“We are awaiting orders from the minister. Its scheduled to be handed over to ASDP, but its not impossible that there could be a change of policy,” said Eddy.
The three additional vessels in Merak Port are made to support the Transportation Minister Regulation No.88 Year 2014 that mandates all vessels in routes to Merak-Bakauheni should have a minimum weight of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT).
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