12 spots you should avoid during Ramadhan

The Jakarta Traffic Police disclosed on Friday 12 areas where the city’s already congested traffic could worsen Ramadhan, which is set to begin on Saturday.

Pasar Minggu and Pondok Labu in South Jakarta, Pasar Gembrong in East Jakarta and Bendungan Hilir in Central Jakarta are among the 12 spots, which are used as occasional markets that sell snacks, beverages and meals for fast-breaking. Some of them, including Tanah Abang are already known everyday gridlock, while others become crowded only during the fasting month.

“People usually flock to the markets shortly before fast-breaking time. They buy food and park their vehicles near the area, creating gridlock, said Jakarta Traffic Police chief Sr. Comr. Dwi Sigit Nurmantyas.

Dwi added that occasional markets would likely take place on some streets.

“Unless you plan to buy food at these occasional markets, we advise road users to avoid these places in the afternoon,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.

The city traffic police said that they would deploy officers in the 12 spots before markets opened. (riz/lfr)

Occasional market spots during Ramadhan:

• East Jakarta: Pasar Gembrong, Pasar Kramat Jati and the road in front of Jatinegara railway station.

• West Jakarta: Jl. Panjang in Kebon Jeruk.

• Central Jakarta: The traffic light in Bendungan Hilir heading to Tanah Abang market, the intersection in Kemayoran which heads to Lifoli, Pasar Jiung, Pasar Genjing and Pasar Tanah Abang traditional markets.

• South Jakarta: Pasar Cipulir, Pasar Minggu and Pasar Pondok Labu.