6,284 Homebound Travellers Pass Through Tenau Port in Kupang by H-4 Eid al-Fitr

The Eid Transport Post at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has reported that homebound traveller (mudik) movements through the port reached 6,284 people from eight days before to four days before (17 March) Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, according to port officials.

The Head of the Harbour Master and Port Authority Office (KSOP) Class III Kupang, Simon B Baon, stated that this figure accounts for both passengers boarding and disembarking vessels at Tenau Port on Wednesday.

According to the data received, the peak of the homebound rush occurred on H-4 on Tuesday (17 March), with 3,410 homebound travellers departing from Kupang and 2,874 arriving.

This represents a substantial increase compared to the equivalent period in the previous year, when only 714 homebound travellers departed through the port and 1,097 arrived.

Baon attributed the increase in traveller numbers to many people choosing sea transport for their homebound journey. This preference stems from the combined effect of extended holidays spanning Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr and Easter, alongside high airfare prices and prevailing weather conditions.

He noted that traveller volumes at the port have begun to decrease gradually in recent days as many had already travelled several days earlier. Port authorities anticipate approximately 1,000 travellers will pass through on H-3 (three days before) Eid al-Fitr.

Direct observation of traveller movements at the port revealed that the atmosphere has become noticeably quieter. The waiting room inside the terminal, typically crowded with travellers, appeared empty, whilst seating areas outside were similarly vacant.

Baon appealed to travellers to avoid crowding whilst boarding vessels to prevent any untoward incidents.