Minister of Transportation to Prepare Three Alternative Routes for Mudik in Java Island

Cipali Toll Gate

The Ministry of Transportation works hard to prepare mudik (an annual exodus ahead of Eid Al-Fitr) road trip. One of their works is preparing alternative routes as stated by Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi after a Plenary Cabinet Meeting, which one of the agenda was to discuss the preparation of Eid-Al-Fitr 1438 H/2017 M, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Monday (29/5) afternoon.

“There were three routes proposed: Pantura, Cipali, and South route. Even, at South route there are many alternative routes,” the Minister said. He also added that the Commander of Indonesian National Defence Forces has confirmed that he is ready to help to prepare the alternative routes at southern area so the vehicles can pass by.

“I hope people to use these three routes so congestion does not happen at one place only. If most of the vehicles choose to take Cipali route, one-way traffic system shall be applied and direct the vehicles to south or north routes,” the Minister added.

This diversion route has been approved by the Indonesian National Police. The Minister also keeps coordinating with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing as well as the Chief of the Indonesian National Police on the preparation of the transportation for mudik since March.

“We will hold another meeting and National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) shall provide helicopters in Cipali,” the Minister further said.

At the moment, air transportation increases by 9 percent, while motorbikes increases more than 10 percent.

“Hopefully, with free mudik program allocated for 208,000 people, there will be less people who travel by motorbikes,” the Minister added.He encouraged people to use other means of transportation besides motorbikes.

The Minister will also check the preparation at Soekarno Hatta Airport, for example, the condition of the aircrafts and the preparedness of Merak Port and others ports outside Java.

To Prepare Mobile Fuel

Regarding the supply of fuel, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will also provide mobile fuel in 5, 10, and 20 litres jerry cans besides the fuel provided by gas stations.

To anticipate the concern of the people regarding the supply of fuel, the Government will also provide a number of shelters and mudik application. There will alsobe a regulation for goods trucks so they can only pass by mudik routes four days before and after Eid-Al-Fitr.

“I strongly suggest those who go to their hometown to come back early,” the Minister concluded. (RMI/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)