Merak port packed with holiday makers

The Jakarta Post

MERAK, Banten (JP): With Idul Fitri fast approaching, the number of holidaymakers crossing the Sunday Strait between Java and Sumatra increased dramatically Thursday.

“The number of ferry passengers rose to 51,556 from 35,665 on Wednesday, and the number of cars rose to 8,188 from 3,313,” Merak port operational manager Endin Juhaendi told the Jakarta Post.

The number of passengers jumped 66 percent compared to Wednesday, he said.

"Officials at Bakeuheni port in Lampung said the number of passengers crossing to Merak will reach its peak today and tomorrow," Endin added.

The Post observed that roads heading to Merak from Cilegon was heavily congested.

Traffic was worse on the Jakarta-Merak toll road, as many people headed for the beach resorts in Carita, Florida, Kelapa Tujuh and Salira Indah.