Motorcycle traffic at Ciwandan Port remains steady as exodus season begins

Serang — Motorcycle traffic flowing through Ciwandan Port in Cilegon, Banten, is beginning to show movement as riders arrive to cross to Sumatra Island, though conditions at the location remain relatively steady without significant congestion yet.

Observations at the location on Friday evening showed that homebound travellers arriving at this secondary port were primarily workers who had deliberately taken early leave. This approach was taken to avoid potentially severe congestion and passenger accumulation that typically occurs approaching the festive period.

Rifki Gunawan, a homebound traveller from West Jakarta, explained that he chose to depart earlier for comfort during the journey. According to him, traffic conditions that were not yet congested made the motorcycle journey to his wife’s hometown in Lampung feel more relaxed.

“I took leave early because the roads aren’t congested, so the journey is more leisurely. I’m from West Jakarta heading home to Lampung, and my wife is from there,” said Rifki when met at the queuing area of Ciwandan Port.

“We also went to Merak Port earlier, and it turned out it’s exclusively for cars. Motorcycles are diverted to Ciwandan Port — I only learned that today. Many motorcycle travellers also went to Merak,” he added.

Similarly, another homebound motorcyclist, Agus Setiawan, stated that traffic from the capital heading towards Merak remained in normal conditions. He assessed that this year’s traffic management was quite helpful in facilitating his journey to the crossing point.

“As for traffic conditions from Jakarta to here (Ciwandan), thank goodness it’s been smooth, no obstacles, just minor congestion. Because conditions are still steady, the port entry process is also quick and doesn’t require queuing too long under the hot sun,” said Agus.