Ferry shuts services

SEMARANG, Central Java: Sejati Berkat, a ferry which has been shuttling between Jepara and the Karimunjawa Islands, has stopped operating since May due to financial losses, the Antara news agency reported.

Its regular customers have since found difficulties finding an alternative means of traveling between the two places.

Gatot Soedjantoko, an official of the local transportation office, said the ferry was seldom filled to its maximum capacity of 40 people.

His office is now offering the route to other shipping companies.

The ferry, which started the service early this year, charged Rp 30,000 (US$14) for a seat on the stern and Rp 15,000 for a cabin seat. (pwn)