Travelers Start Queuing Since Dawn Despite Rain, For Earlier Turns at Roro Air Putih
BENGKALIS – ASWINNEWS.COM – Although rain has poured down on the Roro Air Putih Port area since early morning, the enthusiasm of travelers to get an earlier turn to cross has not diminished. Since 04.30 WIB, Saturday (5/4/2025), the queue of vehicles has again filled the access to the port, marking the continuation of the chaos that has not been resolved since the day before.
With shivering bodies and wet vehicles, the travelers persisted in order to be able to cross to the other side of the mainland. Many of them did not even have time to go home, choosing to sleep in the car or under makeshift tarpaulins overnight.
“It has been raining since last night, but we persisted. Afraid that if we are late, we will be even further behind in the queue. This is a struggle to be able to go home for Eid,” said Rudi, a travel driver from Duri.
Ayu, a housewife who brought two small children, was seen busy calming her children who were starting to fuss because of the cold and fatigue. “My child has a fever because he got caught in the rain. But we have no other choice but to stay here,” he complained while rubbing his child’s head.
Ironically, in the midst of this miserable situation, there has been no official action or statement from the Bengkalis Regency Transportation Agency. The Head of the Transportation Agency, Muhammad Adi Pranoto, remained silent even though he had been contacted many times by journalists and the public.
“We just need certainty, not promises. The system that is said to be sophisticated turns out not to touch our basic needs as travelers,” said another resident in a disappointed tone.
This condition has made many parties urge the Bengkalis Regency Government to immediately intervene directly in the field. In addition to technical issues, bad weather is also considered to be able to worsen the situation and increase safety risks in the port area.
If there are no significant changes in the next few hours, travelers threaten to take spontaneous action as a form of disappointment with the system that is considered to have failed.
Author: Ardes
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