Ships prepared for Idul Fitri

SURABAYA, East Java: Fourteen ships with a total daily capacity of 70,000 passengers have been readied in anticipation of the jump in travelers expected to use the Ketapang, East Java- Gilimanuk, Bali ferry service as the Idul Fitri holiday approaches.

The head of the sea, river, lake and ferry transport office, Djohanibar Adjudin, said yesterday the ships, along with another three on reserve, were ready to make 112 trips to serve the much- used ferry link.

"We believe that it will be enough. Even at its peak last year there were only 35,000 (passengers per day) while during normal conditions it was between 10,000 and 15,000," he said as quoted by Antara.

He said 7,000 cars could be transported each day as well.

"I think we're ready," he said, pointing out that the ferry fare was still Rp 1,000 (11 U.S. cents).

Djohanibar said the increase in passengers would begin Friday, one week before Idul Fitri. (mds)