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Homebound Idul Fitri travel relatively hitch-free: Police
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said this year's mudik lacked a high peak traffic period because many homebound travelers got a head start one week before Idul Fitri.
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Time to ride: A family of four travels on a motorcycle in Cibitung, Bekasi, West Java, on Thursday. Greater Jakarta’s exodus has begun and residents are using any means necessary to return to their home towns to celebrate Idul Fitri. (JP/PJ Leo)
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div>As this year’s Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) kicked into high gear, the National Police reassured the public that holiday traffic would not peak in the coming week.
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said this year's mudik lacked a high peak traffic period because many homebound travelers got a head start one week before Idul Fitri.
“This is likely due to the fact that many people already took their vacation days a week before Idul Fitri, which will be observed on June 5 or 6,” Tito said, while observing holiday traffic from a helicopter alongside Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and Health Minister Nila Moeloek on Friday.
He said many holidaymakers had taken advantage of a public holiday marking the ascension of Jesus Christ on May 30 and cuti bersama (collective leave days) to travel ahead of the eve of Idul Fitri.
“[Holidaymakers] traveled on different days, often on public holidays. However, we are anticipating an influx of returning travelers next Monday,” he said.
Holiday traffic from Jakarta to Brebes and Semarang in Central Java appeared to be normal, according to Tito.
However, Hadi said he had observed slight congestion in Jakarta.
“There was a bit of congestion in Jakarta, but it was smooth sailing once people got out of the city,” Hadi said.
Meanwhile, the Kulon Progo Transportation Agency in Yogyakarta, Central Java reported a 15 percent increase of holiday traffic congestion in the region.
“The traffic from Yogyakarta and neighboring Purworejo is relatively normal, but we have seen a 15 percent traffic increase. That said, main roads in Kulon Progo could still accommodate additional vehicles,” the head of the Kulon Progo Transportation Agency, L. Bowo Pristoyanto, said on Sunday as quoted by Antara news agency.
He said there had yet to be reports of congestion despite the increased traffic.
In Palembang, South Sumatra, several inter-city and inter-provincial bus operators at the Alang Lebar and Karya Jaya Terminals provided more passenger capacity for this year’s homebound travel. In fact, there were more free seats than occupied ones.
Several bus operators at the terminal provided 30 buses that could accommodate about 900 passengers altogether.
Wilda, one of the bus operators at Karya Jaya terminal, said the number of passengers had increased from last year.
“This is probably because those who normally travel by planes now chose to travel by bus since airfares have soared,” she said.
In an effort to anticipate public health issues during this year’s mudik, Nila said the Health Ministry had set up 188 public safety centers across the country.
“If you experience any health problems during your travels, please call us at 119. We will dispatch an ambulance for immediate first aid,” she said.
Furthermore, she called on drivers to take a break every four hours to replenish their focus and stamina.
“Rest as soon as you feel sleepy. We are ready to help the public through local health posts, community health centers and hospitals along mudik routes,” Nila added.
Tito said the police had tightened security across several regions to anticipate acts of terrorism.
“I call on everyone to observe the remainder of Ramadan in peace,” he said, adding that holidaymakers would be able to leave their valuable belongings at local police stations or military district and subdistrict command posts for safekeeping. (rfa)
