Travelers Crowd Samarinda Port

Samarinda (Antara Bali) - Thousands of Idul Fitri homebound travelers began crowding Samarinda port in East Kalimantan on Saturday evening.

Some of the travelers, who came from remote areas in East Kalimantan, boarded MV Prince Soya early Sunday, an Antara journalist reported.

Hundreds of passengers used the ship's hallways and decks to store their belongings as well as to sleep.  "We are forced to sleep in the open space because there are no more seats on the ship," Bakri said aboard the ship.

Bakri, who was to travel to his hometown in Tana Toraja district, South Sulawesi province, along with his wife and two children, found space on the front deck of the ship.

"Almost all hallways and decks are packed, so we are forced to sleep outdoors. If there is rain I'll submit, because I cannot do anymore. What is important is that we can hold our family reunion in my hometown," he said.

MV Prince Soya is scheduled to depart for Parepare, South Sulawesi, on Sunday at 11.00 a.m. Additionally, a number of passengers boarded the ship without tickets.

"I boarded the ship, although I haven't bought a ticket for fear I wouldn't get a seat. As I did in previous years, I buy a ticket when the ship is about to sail," said Tini, from Sangkulirang sub-district. (*/DWA)