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Govt earmarks Rp 36.53b for Idul Fitri travel support
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Vehicles clog Jl. Raya Jatinangor-Sumedang in West Java as travelers head to their hometowns in West Java, Central Java and East Java in June 2017, ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. (Antara/Novrian Arbi)
T
he government has allocated Rp 36.53 billion (US$2.56 million) to provide free transportation for people of low-income urban households to celebrate Idul Fitri – the most anticipated Islamic holiday – in their hometowns.
The Transportation Ministry’s traffic and railway director, Zulmafendi, said the funds would be used to transport 18,000 motorcycles as well as for railway tickets for low-income families from Greater Jakarta to cities in West Java, Central Java and East Java.
The registration of applicants for the travel support began on Friday, three months before the implementation of the program, and would close on June 24, said Zulmafendi in Jakarta on Tuesday, as reported by tribunnews.com.
Applications can be submitted through mudikgratis.dephub.go.id.
Meanwhile, Railway Director General Zulfikri expressed the hope that more people would take part in the program, as last year only 84 percent of the allocated funds had been used.
“Last year, the registration began two month before the exodus. Many people complained that they had received no information about the program. With the registration opening three months before the event [this year], we hope more people will participate,” he added.
Muslims will celebrate Idul Fitri in the middle of June this year. The festivity is an occasion for many people to return to their hometowns and reunite with family members who often live far apart from one another. (bbn)
