Govt goes all out to ensure smooth trip home for Idul Fitri

Jakarta, NU Online
A joint ministerial meeting on Friday said the government had provided enough modes of public transportation, fuel and roads to facilitate the upcoming mudik (mass exodus home) of an estimated 27.25 million people.

The government will ban heavy vehicles such as trucks from operating four days before and one day after the Idul Fitri holiday on Sept. 22-23.<>

Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal said the government had secured up to 36.4 million seats on modes of public transportation for 16.25 million people traveling between the seven days before and after the holiday. The remaining 11 million will travel using private cars and motorcycles.

“Heavyweight vehicles like trucks will be forbidden to travel four days before and one day after the holiday to ease traffic on the roads,” he added.

But exceptions will be granted to heavyweight vehicles carrying staple foodstuffs and bottled waters to ensure sufficient food and beverage supplies across the country, said Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.

Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto said his office would stop rebuilding roads seven days before the Idul Fitri holiday, while assuring the roadworks would be completed on time.

Evita H. Legowo, director general of oil and gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said there would be a temporary 50 fuel depots in Banten, Lampung, Central Java and East Java to cover fuel needs. (jp/dar)