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The Dire Straits Between Bali and Nusa Penida
Much Touted Padang Bai – Nusa Penida Ferry Service Ceases Operations Just Eight Months After Launch.
(9/13/2008)
Beritabali.com and Bali Post report that the "RoRo" or "Roll-On Roll-Off" ferry service connecting Padang Bai and Nusa Penida island has ceased operations effective September 13, 2008, due to a lack of operating funds.
The Nusa Jaya Abadi vessel operated by PT Palmars was introduced by the regional government of Karangasem to travel the 13 kilometer distance between the two ports as a means to address the depressed economic state of Bali's offshore island community.
The head of the transportation office for Klungkung Nengah Becik, told the press that the ship would end operations at the end of the operating contract with PT Palmars due to the lack of funds needed to keep the vital ferry service operating.
The ship which began operation just 8 months ago only included funding provisions through September 2008, leaving a non-funded period of four months until the commencement of the next financial year in January 2009.
An urgent appeal has been made to the Regional House of Representatives in Klungkung seeking bridging funding to allow the ferry to continue to sail.
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