Around 123 Million People Expected to Join Annual Eid Exodus This Year

Transportation Minister joins Cabinet Meeting on the Preparation of Mudik (Exodus) at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday (24/03). (Photo by: PR/Rahmat)

As many as 123 million people are predicted to join this year’s annual exodus ahead of Eid Day (known as mudik), the Government has predicted.

The figure is an increase by 47% compared to that of last year.

“We have collaborated with the Indonesian National Police and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture on how to manage the exodus season this year,” Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said in a press statement at Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (24/03/2023).

According to Budi, some of matters that become the Government’s concerns are, among others, those who take part in the exodus by motorcycles. Data from the National Police shows that that accidents during the exodus are dominated by motorcycles.

To address the issue, the Minister said that his Ministry has prepared several free mudik programs by buses, ships, and trains.

“I hope other ministries and private sectors will also provide free exodus tickets, at least for their own personnel,” he said.

Budi also revealed that transportation from Merak port in Banten province to Bakauheni port in Lampung province will also receive more attention.

“The National Police Chief has ordered the operation of several other ports, such as those in Indah Kiat and Bakau Jaya so the departure point is not only in Merak, but also in those ports,” he said, adding that the number of ships to be operational and to be used as crossing shops will be increased, including those owned by state-owned ship company PT Pelni.

The Government, the Minister added, also focuses on the use of toll roads and arterial roads during this year’s exodus season, adding that it will restrict tri-axle trucks, which cause severe congestion both in toll roads and arterial roads.

Budi also announced the Government’s plan to advance the joint leave holiday two days earlier, from April 21, 2023, to April 19, 2023, adding that the move aims to anticipate traffic congestion during the exodus season. (RF/AIT/MIT) (AY/EP)