Surge in Travellers at Belu Immigration Office Ahead of Eid

TheIndonesia.co - The Immigration Office in Belu, East Nusa Tenggara, has reported a significant increase in the number of travellers crossing the border into Timor-Leste ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festivities. The surge in cross-border movement has been observed at three integrated cross-border posts across the province, indicating heightened travel activity as people prepare for the holiday.

According to Antara News Agency, the Head of the Belu Immigration Office, the number of travellers leaving Indonesia for Timor-Leste was relatively low on March 24, with only 393 travellers recorded. However, by Saturday, March 29, that number had more than doubled, reaching 774 travellers. These travellers included both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals, illustrating the strong demand for cross-border travel as families and individuals head to Timor-Leste for the festive season.

In addition to the increase in departures from Indonesia, the Immigration Office also noted a sharp rise in the number of inbound travellers. On March 24, the office recorded 419 arrivals, which included both Indonesians and foreigners. By March 29, the number of arrivals had soared to 1,230, reflecting the growing trend of international travellers coming into Indonesia for the holiday period.

This surge in travel was not limited to the primary cross-border posts. At other posts such as Atambua and Mota'ain, similar trends were observed. The Atambua post saw 100 travellers on March 24, which rose to 124 by March 29. Meanwhile, the Mota'ain post facilitated the entry of 119 travellers into Indonesia on Saturday.

The significant increase in traveller numbers has put considerable pressure on the immigration officers at these posts. However, the Head of the Belu Immigration Office praised the officers for their dedication and hard work in managing the increased workload.

"Despite facing high pressure, our officers have demonstrated extraordinary dedication in managing the surge in travelers. This is a clear indication of our improving and responsive services," he said in an interview on Sunday.

The Belu Immigration Office has been focusing on ensuring that its staff are well-equipped to handle the increased volume of travellers. The office has provided its officers with appropriate work facilities, applied efficient operational mechanisms, and prioritized the welfare of the staff.

"Our officers stand at the forefront in ensuring that cross-border travel flows smoothly. For this reason, we are committed to fully supporting our officers to provide top-notch services in a comfortable work environment," the head added.

As Eid al-Fitr approaches, the Belu Immigration Office continues to monitor and manage the flow of travellers crossing the border. With the increase in movement expected to continue, the office remains focused on ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and that travellers can cross the border smoothly during the busy holiday period.

The heightened activity at these border crossings reflects the strong cultural and familial connections between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, particularly during the significant holiday season of Eid. The immigration office's dedication to providing seamless service highlights the importance of maintaining smooth border operations and supporting officers on the frontlines during such peak travel times.