Jakarta, July 28 -- The Directorate General of Sea Transportation under the Ministry of Transportation confirmed that ferry services on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route continue as usual, despite vehicle queues caused by the closure of the Gumitir route.

"Sea transportation services at Ketapang Port remain operational. We continue to operate with the highest priority being safety for both passengers and vessels," the ministry's Director General of Sea Transportation, Muhammad Masyhud, remarked on Monday.

He reported that 27 ships are currently operating: 19 ships at MB I-IV Piers; seven ships at LCM Piers; and one auxiliary ship at Bulusan Pier, Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java.

Following the sinking of KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, his side ...