Pelni ready to transport vacationers

JAKARTA: The state-own shipping firm PT Pelni is readying its fleet for the massive annual increase in passengers traveling to their hometowns to celebrate the post-fasting month holiday of Idul Fitri.

Company spokesman Abubakar Goyim said on Tuesday that 25 ships, consisting of 13 ships with capacities of 2,000 passengers each, nine ships with capacities of 1,000 passengers each and three with capacities of 500 passengers each, were now undergoing maintenance in preparation for the holiday season.

Pelni will also deploy five Roll-on-Roll-off (Roro) ships, which can transport both foot passengers and vehicles, he said.

Idul Fitri is expected to fall on Nov. 25. Millions of Muslims across in the country normally travel home to celebrate the holiday with their families.

Abubakar said that a large vessel, the KM Sinabung, which usually serves ports in the western part of the country, would be moved east on Oct. 20 in anticipation of an increase in the number of passengers in that part of the archipelago .

He said tickets could be reserved 21 days before departure during the holiday season. -- Antara