VOINews, Jakarta: Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed the operational readiness of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to support smooth transportation during the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year holidays.
The Minister stated that his team had inspected both the departure and arrival terminals of the airport. “To ensure safety, security, airside facilitation, and passenger services, I have conducted inspections alongside PT Angkasa Pura and the Regional Airport Authority Office IV,” Menhub said in a statement from Jakarta on Saturday.
To prevent traffic congestion at the airport, several measures have been prepared, including additional lanes, widening of access points in and out of the terminal, provision of pedestrian bridges, and expansion of public transportation holding areas.
During his working visit, Menhub also reviewed the Integrated Post for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. He held a video conference with officials at the Main Command Post of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Merak Port Post, and Gambir Station Integrated Post, emphasizing preparedness for any weather-related disruptions. “Teamwork must remain strong, and I urge field officers to pay attention to even the smallest weather-related details to anticipate any potential issues,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Menhub Dudy attended the 2024 Operation Lilin Ceremony in Denpasar, Bali, which was led by Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and attended by Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto. The ceremony marked the official launch of nationwide efforts to ensure safety and security during the holiday season.
Operation Lilin 2024, a synchronized operation across Indonesia, aims to address security disruptions, traffic accidents, and other potential vulnerabilities. It will run for 13 days from December 21, 2024, to January 2, 2025, involving 141,605 personnel from the police, TNI, and related stakeholders. “This ceremony is conducted to ensure the readiness of personnel and facilities to serve the public during the holidays,” Menhub explained.
The event was also attended by key figures, including the Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Kusworo, Jasa Raharja CEO Rivan Achmad Purwantono, Bali’s Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and representatives from relevant ministries and stakeholders.
With these measures in place, the government is determined to ensure the safety and convenience of travelers during the holiday season, underscoring its commitment to optimal public service./ANTARA/VOI
