Transportation Ministry readies for Idul Fitri

The government says it will boost the number of available trains and ferries in the run-up to the annual Idul Fitri holiday exodus.

Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi said on Thursday in Jakarta that 36 vessels would be dedicated to crossing the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, up from 33 currently.

"We will continue to try to add the vessels. We've secured two, and only need to add another one," Freddy told reporters after a meeting with lawmakers.

"Adding the vessels is not enough. We're also trying to repair the docks and improve the management of traffic into and out of the ports. That's why we need to cooperate with other parties," he added.

The ministry’s train transport chief, Tundjung Irawan, meanwhile, said state railway company PT KAI would offer additional economy-class seats during the holiday.

"We will add a carriage [on each train], but [state train manufacturer] PT INKA is ready with three carriages if there is enough budgeted," Tundjung said.

The ministry’s air transport chief, Harry Bhakti, said the current number of aircraft would likely be enough to meet passenger demand.

Additional holiday travelers could be accommodated by the 15 to 20 percent of seats that were unoccupied during regular service days, he said.

National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia previously said it would add 30,000 seats to meet demand during Idul Fitri in late August.