"We want to reduce traffic accidents by prohibiting the public from using two-wheeled vehicles for Eid homecoming. It is dangerous for the public, not to mention with the current weather as well. The ministry has provided free transport for homecoming this year," spokesperson for the ministry, Adita Irawati, said during an online discussion, accessed from Jakarta on Monday.
The Transportation Ministry is continuing to ensure that the transportation sector is ready to serve the community during the 2022 Eid homecoming period, she added.
During the pandemic, there were two aspects that needed attention during homecoming, namely health and safety, she noted.
The Ministry of Transportation will carry out direct checks and safety inspections or ramp checks of operators to ensure the modes of transportation are feasible to operate.
In addition, the transportation crew must also be in excellent condition and in good health when serving the community so that the homecoming trip can run well and safely.
"Because the public has a high enthusiasm for this year's homecoming, we have to make sure the transportation operators and all their vehicles are ready to use," Irawati said.
Based on the results of a survey by the Transportation Research and Development Agency (Balitbanghub), the land transportation sector is the most crucial to be handled, she noted.
Of the 85.5 million people who are expected to travel during the homecoming period, 47 percent will travel via land routes using private vehicles (cars and motorbikes) or buses, she informed.
It is estimated that around 14.3 million homecomers will depart from Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). This marks a nearly 45-percent increase compared to 2019, that is before the start of the pandemic.
"We also have to prepare for reserve transportation to avoid overcapacity resulting in many people that cannot be served," Irawati said.
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Translator: Adimas Raditya FP, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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