DPR Calls for Tightened Vessel Oversight Ahead of Eid Holiday Exodus
A member of Commission V of the Indonesian Parliament, Novita Wijayanti, has called on PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to strengthen security and surveillance measures on ferries operating the Merak-Bakauheni crossing ahead of the Eid holiday exodus. This measure is considered important to prevent potential theft incidents on vessels during periods of high passenger congestion.
According to Wijayanti, tighter oversight is necessary to create a sense of safety and comfort for passengers using the Merak-Bakauheni ferry service. In previous Eid exodus periods, theft incidents had occurred on ferries taking advantage of overcrowded conditions.
“I am requesting that ASDP work with the police to strengthen security measures so that the widespread theft cases on ferries that exploited passenger congestion during last year’s Eid exodus do not happen again this year,” Wijayanti stated whilst attending a working visit meeting of Commission V with collaborative partners in preparation for the exodus at Merak Ferry Terminal in Cilegon, Banten, on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Beyond security on board, the politician from the Gerindra Party also highlighted potential congestion when vehicle queues enter the port area due to road narrowing. She emphasised that street lighting availability in and around the port area requires greater attention, given that many travellers undertake journeys during night hours.
“Street lighting in the Merak Port area and its surroundings – I reiterate once again – must receive proper attention. Many passengers using the Merak-Bakauheni ferry service travel at night, so street lighting is also important,” she stated.
Wijayathi also emphasised the importance of health services being prepared at the port, including the provision of dedicated ambulance lanes to enable rapid movement in the event of medical emergencies amid the peak exodus traffic.
Furthermore, she requested that passenger safety be a primary concern. In her view, passenger numbers must align with vessel capacity, and safety equipment such as life jackets must be guaranteed to be sufficient for the number of passengers being transported.