"We have held frequent joint meetings, including meetings to check the routes (to be used for the exodus, locally called mudik). This is our final meeting," Karnavian said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian held a meeting with several ministers to discuss the final preparations for security and facility arrangement to be provided to home-bound travelers who wish to celebrate Idul Fitri Islamic Holiday in their hometowns.

"We have held frequent joint meetings, including meetings to check the routes (to be used for the exodus, locally called mudik). This is our final meeting," Karnavian said at the Police Headquarters, here on Monday.

The general recalled a serious congestion around the East Brebes toll exit last year.

"Last year, the problem was in the Brexit (Brebes toll Exit), because too many vehicles were queuing up there," he noted.

He hoped that there would be no more traffic congestions in East Brebes area this year because the Public Work and Public Housing Ministry have constructed a 110-kilometer-long toll route from Brebes to Gringsing, Batang, in Central Java, that could be used by mudik travelers.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), there is a 110-kilometer-long functional route from Brebes to Gringsing. The traffic is expected to be smooth," he asserted.

Big vehicles such as trucks will not be allowed to use the functional road connecting Brebes to Gringsing.

The police will deploy 16 students from police officer candidate school (Setukpa) to help monitor and address traffic jams.

The number of rest areas and joint command posts that provide medical services, fuel, and vehicle repair services, among other things, will be increased along the mudik routes.

"We hope it will give comfort to travelers during their trips," he stated.

Among ministers attending the meeting were Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Health Minister Nila Moeloek, and Public Work and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimoeljono.

Indonesia will once again see the exodus of the devout when a large number of Idul Fitri revelers travel to be with their families and celebrate the Islamic festivities in their hometowns.

Tens of millions of Lebaran travelers across the country will travel home by air, land, or sea.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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