Local people are requesting Jakarta Transportation Department to re-operate speedboats plying Seribu Islands to Marunda Flat, Cilincing, North Jakarta. They had trouble getting alternative transportation when speedboat operational contract was stopped on December 21, 2014.

Using speedboat, I only take 30 minutes. Now, I had to ride the bus and take two hours due to traffic jam

Zarkasih (25), one of residents at RT 06/03, Pulau Panggang Urban Village admitted he has difficulties to go to the office located in Pramuka Island since speedboat is no longer in operation.

"Water taxi service in my village is not routinely operated. As for the boats belonging Transportation Department only operates from island to island," he lamented, Tuesday (1/20).

Similar experience is also felt by Miskia (34), one of residents in Cluster B Block 8 Unit 08, Marunda Flat. He should take a long time to get to the flat. "Using speedboat, I only take 30 minutes. Now, I had to ride the bus and take two hours due to traffic jam," she complained.

Head of Water Transportation and Port Unit for Jakarta Transportation Department, Tiodor Sianturi disclosed as many as 12 speedboats look neglected at the Kali Adem Dok, Muara Angke Port, Penjaringan. 2 of them are Catamaran and Paus, where they are still fitted with a police line as case of the procurement and shipwrecks.  

To re-operate them, he continued, his party will conduct ship docking first. Considering there was no repair last year.

"We hope the budget could be approved soon to re-operate speedboats. For water service to Marunda Flat, we are still coordinating with the ASDP to find a replacement boat," he explained.

Jakarta Transportation Department recorded has 12 speedboats that serve locals. 10 of them are Catamaran, Catamaran 2, Catamaran 3, Paus, Kerapu 1-4 and Lumba-lumba 1 and 2, operating to carry people to Seribu Islands. Then 2 other boats, Kerapu 5 and 6 serve people from Kali Adem towards Marunda Flat.