“One thing that we can’t be sure of is [natural disaster, such as] an earthquake. However, everything else that is in our control has been properly prepared to ensure a smooth trip for all travelers,” Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said recently.

Indonesia is set to see 28.59 million people travel to their hometowns during this year’s annual exodus, an 8.45 percent surge from a year ago.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has instructed each provincial administration with a track record of natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, flash floods and volcanic eruptions, to prepare anticipatory measures as early as possible.

“In terms of aviation safety, we have also intensively issued a volcano observatory notice for aviation [VONA],” the ministry’s geological agency head Ego Syahrial said earlier in June.

Last year’s Idul Fitri holidays were marked by massive traffic jams occurring at the East Brebes toll road exit, dubbed “Brexit,” resulting in the death of at least 12 travelers due to severe fatigue.

This year, the government has opened new roads and prepared 3,826 health centers at all exodus routes that will be open 24 hours to anticipate emergencies. Helicopters and even motorbikes are also on standby. (tas)

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