Open Domestic Shipping, Ship Operators at Harbour Bay Port Try to Survive During a Pandemic

Editor: Lia Sisvita Dinatri

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - Ship operators serving domestic shipping at Harbour Bay port, Batam City, Riau Islands Province, are trying to survive the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apart from reducing operating hours, they must struggle to find passengers, at least to cover operational costs.

Prospective passengers are required to follow a series of stages related to health protocols during this pandemic.

As is known, the passenger ship bound for Tanjungbalai Karimun is back in operation at Harbour Bay. 

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the number of passengers using sea transportation services could reach hundreds of people.

However, currently, only dozens of passengers use this sea transportation service. 

• Covid-19 Pandemic is Called Making People Difficult to Quit Smoking, Is it True?

From the information collected, the shipping schedule for Tanjungbalai Karimun before Covid-19 reached 6 shipping. 

However, during the Covid-19 period, the port was forced to lower the departure schedule, which is only 3 times a day, at 09.00 WIB, 15.00 WIB, and 17.00 WIB. 

Based on TribunBatam.id observation, it can be seen that the situation at the port is quiet. Only a few stalls were opened. 

Passengers have also seen only 10-20 people sitting on benches while waiting for the ship's departure time to Tanjung Balai Karimun.

Meanwhile, international ports serving the Batam to Singapore route and Batam to Malaysia are still totally closed. Only a few cleaning service officers were seen in the port area. (*) 

• Kasus Selesai Isolasi Corona di Tanjungpinang Tambah 6 Orang, 5 di Antaranya Berasal dari 3 Klaster

• Magrib di Batam Pukul 18.12 WIB, Berikut Doa Buka Puasa Tasua dan Puasa Asyura

• Kesehatan kian Memburuk, Perdana Menteri Jepang Shinzo Abe Mengundurkan Diri

• Kenali Penyebab Kulit Berminyak dan Cara Merawatnya dengan Tepat