Minister: Travel can use train-ship-bus while airports are closed
The government has prepared various transport mode shift schemes should flight services be disrupted by the impact of the Anak Krakatau eruption.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has urged the public and business operators to use alternative modes of transport such as trains, ships and buses while a number of airports are closed due to the impact of the Anak Krakatau eruption.
During an online press conference updating the latest situation following the Anak Krakatau eruption, monitored from Jakarta on Sunday, Dudy said the government has prepared various transport mode shift schemes should flight services be disrupted by the impact of the eruption.
“Regarding the question of whether there is potential for diversion, as is proper for transport, we are preparing everything related to the use of other transport modes if air transport is disrupted,” the Minister said.
According to him, rail transport, particularly on Java, can be an option for the public to continue travelling while affected airport operations remain suspended.
Besides trains, the government is also encouraging the use of road transport such as buses as well as sea transport, which so far continues to operate normally and has not been affected by volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption.
“The transport modes that are possible are rail transport, especially on Java, then also road transport, both buses, and so far sea transport remains unaffected by the eruption,” Dudy said.
The Minister explained that transport mode shifts can also be carried out to support goods distribution if air freight faces obstacles due to airport closures.
He stressed that the government continues to anticipate potential disruption to one transport mode by preparing alternative services so that public connectivity is maintained.
Dudy invited the public and business operators who previously relied on air transport to consider using road, sea or rail modes.
The government has ensured that the mode shift measures are being taken to maintain smooth mobility and logistics distribution while the Anak Krakatau eruption continues to affect flight operations.
“So we urge both the public and business operators, if they have so far relied heavily on air transport in their activities, to switch to road, sea or rail transport, which so far have not been affected by the Anak Krakatau eruption,” the Minister said.
A total of six airports have been temporarily closed due to volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption affecting flight operational safety.
Initially, the Ministry of Transport closed five airports: Radin Inten Airport in Lampung, Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Pondok Cabe in Jakarta, and Budiarto in Curug, Tangerang.
After further testing at 12.00 WIB, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung was also found to be affected by volcanic ash, so flight operations at that airport were also temporarily suspended.