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Govt reveals favorite Idul Fitri travel dates, tells people to avoid them
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Idul Fitri exodus – Thousands of cars and buses line up on the Pejagan-Brebes toll road in Central Java in this file photo. (Tempo/-)
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uthorities have suggested that travelers looking to return to their places of origin to celebrate Idul Fitri —estimated to fall on June 15 and 16— avoid popular traveling dates to prevent severe traffic jams on peak days.
The National Police organized on Tuesday a coordination meeting with relevant institutions, including the Indonesian Military, the Trade Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, the Transportation Ministry and the Health Ministry, to discuss their preparedness ahead of Lebaran, one of the major holidays in the predominantly Muslim nation.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said data showed that the preferred dates for the Idul Fitri exodus were June 8 and 9, while the most popular return dates were June 19 and 20. Budi referred to research conducted by Kompas’ research and development department.
“It is best for people to travel [before or after] these dates to avoid traffic jams,” Budi said on Tuesday.
He also encouraged travelers to not ride on motorcycles for trips longer than 60 kilometers, noting that road accidents involving motorcycles accounted for 70 percent of all accidents over the past two years.
Health Minister Nila Djuwita Moeloek seconded that advice, while also encouraging travelers to prepare physically for long trips. She added that it was best to stop and take breaks at certain hours.
“We will increase medical staff and 24-hour medical services along major [exodus] routes,” she said.
The government has extended the collective Idul Fitri holiday period by three days to 10 days, thereby making it the longest Idul Fitri holiday period in the country to date. (dpk/nor/swd)
