Merak Port (Pelabuhan Merak) is situated at the westernmost tip of Java island that is in the District of Pulo Merak, Cilegon, Banten Province, and is a port that is used to ferry from Java to Sumatra; at Bakauheuni. Distance from Jakarta to Merak port is approximately 125 km, and can be reached via the highway toll road in Jakarta – Merak for 1-2 hours. This place has become special because it is a gateway between the 2 major islands in Indonesia, namely Java and Sumatra. All transport of goods and passengers between Java and Sumatra are going through this port.

As it is known that the island of Java and Sumatra is separated by the Strait of Sunda, and crossing from Merak Port to Bakauheuni, Sumatra, or vice versa is done by using the ferry. The number of yachting Ferry boats crossed the Sunda Strait totaled approximately 15-24 pieces. Crossing the Ferry boat to Sumatra from Merak Port needs less than 2 hours. However, if passengers using the fast boat to take time only less than 1 hour.

The current situation in Merak Port increasingly crowded, and usually will occur when the goods trucks queue congestion. The congestion will worsen if there are weather disturbances that cause waves on the sea of Sunda Strait then Ferry boats can not pass. In such situations, the truck of goods from the island of Java that will cross to Sumatera have to wait about 2 days in the city of Cilegon. Condition of congestion will increase also during holidays, such as Idul Fitri, New Year and Christmas.

Government of Indonesia has attempted to repair well the above situation, among others, by improving and finish Jakarta Merak highway toll road, make a bridge overpass in the vicinity of Merak Port, build a large bus terminal, build a new dock, etc.. Therefore, from various well known information that will soon be built Sunda Strait Bridge linking Java and Sumatra as well. With these government effort, may transport between the islands of Java and Sumatra more smoothly.

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