"MUI appreciates everyone involved in securing and managing mudik of Lebaran (Idul Fitri) 2017; the implementation was smooth and without any significant obstacles," Zainut Tauhid Saadi, deputy chairman of MUI, said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Ulemas (Islamic scholars) Council (MUI) has lauded the performance of the Indonesian police and other institutions in securing the implementation of homebound and in-bound (reverse flow) exodus, locally called "mudik", during Idul Fitri Islamic holiday, this year.

"MUI appreciates everyone involved in securing and managing mudik of Lebaran (Idul Fitri) 2017; the implementation was smooth and without any significant obstacles," Zainut Tauhid Saadi, deputy chairman of MUI, said, here, Thursday.

The exodus implementation this year was better than those in the previous years, indicated by less number of traffic accident casualties.

"In addition to police personnel, the smooth implementation of this year's exodus isalso attributed to the hard work of other personnel from the ministries of transportation and health, among others, who have done their tasks optimally and integrally," he stated.

Overall, the exodus was smooth and safe, he noted, adding that next year, the government should give even better transportation services to the public.

Most Indonesian Muslims follow the tradition of going back to their hometowns to celebrate Lebaran. As a result, there is an exodus of travelers, particularly from cities to villages, during this time of the year.

The number of homebound travelers this year was estimated to reach over 19 million, up from 17,698,484 in 2016 and from 17,404,575 in 2015.

To ensure peoples safety during the exodus, more than 170 thousand police and military personnel were deployed for Ramdaniya Operation carried out from June 19 to July 4, 2017.

Relevant ministries and stakeholders had made their utmost efforts to provide smoother, safer, and more comfortable trips during the post-fasting Lebaran exodus, in accordance with instructions given by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) earlier.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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