More Merpati flights to Ambon

JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines is increasing its flights to strife-torn Ambon to four flights a week from three at the moment after the town's port was closed to passenger ships on Thursday (today), Antara reported on Wednesday.

Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina said Merpati had agreed to his request to increase the frequency of its services linking Ambon with western Indonesia cities.

The port of Ambon has been declared off limits to passenger ships for one month as of Thursday to prevent provocateurs from landing in the troubled province.

The ban will affect passenger ships operated by state-owned PT Pelni, including KM Rinjani, KM Dobonsolo, KM Bukit Siguntang, KM Lambelu, and KM Tatamailau. It does not apply to cargo ships.

Merpati has yet to confirm when the additional flight will begin, Antara reported. (10)