REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Government conducted random test to check readiness of 10 ports ahead of Eid festivity. During the Islamic festifity, Indonesian people have a tradition of homecoming or locally popular as "mudik", which is expected to occur in early August this year. 

Director General of Sea Transportation at Ministry of Transportation, Bobby R Mamahit said random test aimed to ensure that passengers would be convenien to travel with ships. Ten sea ports are Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Bakauheni (Lampung), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya, East Java), Makassar and Pare-Pare (South Sulawesi), Merak (Banten), Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), and Batam (Riau Islands).

"We also checked Port of Lembar (West Nusa Tenggara), as well as Bitung and Manado (North Sulawesi). The tests were performed by team consisted of marine inspector, Directorate General of Sea Transportation, and local technical unit," Mamihit said on Tuesday.

Team checked various ships, such as passenger vessels, ferry and roll on roll off ships (Ro-Ro ships). Port of Bakauheni is exit and entry port of travelers from Sumatra and Java.

State owned seaport operator, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry will operate 38 of 41 Ro-Ro ships. ASDP will also increase trip numbers, from 90 to 120 times in peak of Lebaran holiday.

The police have launched Operation Ketupat to ensure public security during homecoming, from August 2-18, 2013. Police Headquarters would deploy 150 thousand personnel at critical points of crime, such as bus stations, train stations and sea ports. 

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