Govt predicts Idul Fitri exodus to peak on Aug. 16

The government predicts that homebound traffic for Idul Fitri holidays will peak on August 16, two days before the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, while returning traffic will be at its highest on August 24.

The government estimates that return air traffic will reach its highest record on August 26.

The Transportation Ministry estimates that more than 15.22 million passengers will go on Idul Fitri holidays this year, a 4.81 percent increase compared to last year's passenger number total of 14.52 million.

Around 8.99 million passengers will be using land transport, a 2.68 percent increase from last year's 8.75 million land riders.

To anticipate this traffic, the government says that it will provide special transportation to assist motorcyclists during the holiday season.

"We want to try to minimize motorcycle traffic," Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan said as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday.

The government will also supply extra trucks, buses, trains and ships to serve holiday makers.

Trucks, for instance, will be carrying motorcycles, while motorcycle owners will be advised to travel on buses.

In addition, the government will arrange for special lanes specifically for motorcycles, along with special resting areas for riders.

Trains will also be added to anticipate increased passenger loads, Mangindaan said.

Passengers looking for further information can visit the government's Road Transport and Traffic Management Center Facebook page, RRTMC Hubdat.

They can also go to Twitter at @infomudikLLAJ. There's also a text-messaging address at 081380068000. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) will also provide information on weather during those peak traffic days.(png)