The President also monitored the readiness of the warship in assisting motorcycle travelers who were on their way to their hometowns in Central and East Java for the Idul Fitri holidays.

Yudhoyono, who arrived at Nusantara-2 passenger terminal in Tanjung Priok Port at around 10 a.m. local time on Sunday, took the opportunity to talk with the holiday travelers both on the first deck, which was specially prepared for women and children, and on the second deck.

'There are people who will travel to Madiun, Magelang, Purwodadi, Semarang, and last but not least: Pacitan,' said Yudhoyono, who was cheered by the travelers, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Yudhoyono asked the travelers to look after themselves so that they could celebrate the Idul Fitri holidays with all their family members in their hometowns.

Navy spokesman Commodore Untung Suropati said the KRI Banda Aceh was specifically prepared to assist motorcycle travelers who wanted to go home to Central and East Java. The free service was part of the Navy's support in ensuring the Idul Fitri homebound travelers could get home safely.

It will take around 17-22 hours for the travelers to get to Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang.

The KRI Banda Aceh has been prepared to accommodate 2,000 passengers and 1,000 motorcycles.

The ship will transport motorcycle travelers to Semarang twice, on Aug 4 and 6, and is ready for the influx of return travelers on Aug.13. (ebf)

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