"We need to provide free exodus probably not only the Ministry of Transportation, but also other ministries," Director General of land transportation at the ministry Hendro Sugiatno said at a press conference, which was followed online on Monday.
Business entities and companies would also provide free exodus services with the hope of reducing the number of people traveling on motorcycles during the exodus, he added.
Sugiatno said that based on a survey carried out by the Transportation Policy Agency (BKT), the number of travelers during the 2023 Eid al-Fitr holiday period has been projected to reach 123.8 million.
The number reflects an increase of 14.2 percent compared to the estimate of 85.5 million travelers during the 2022 Eid al-Fitr period.
The survey also listed the top-five means of transportation that are expected to be used by people during the 2023 Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
They comprise private cars, which are projected to be used by 22.07 percent or 27.32 million people; motorcycles, 20.3 percent or 25.13 million people; buses, 18.39 percent or 22.77 million people; intercity trains, 11.69 percent or 14.47 million people; and rented cars, 7.7 percent or 9.53 million people.
Since private cars and motorcycles are dominating the list, the Ministry of Transportation is appealing to people to use the free exodus service to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, he said.
According to him, the risk of traffic accidents is higher if people use motorcycles due to several factors, such as physical and nature-related conditions.
"If we see the data of traffic accidents during exodus, the highest cause is tiredness, and the victims are (people on) motorcycles," he added.
The Ministry of Transportation has set a quota of 24,072 for bus passengers availing free exodus transportation services during the 2023 Eid al-Fitr exodus period.
The quota comprises 18,528 for the departure flow and 5,544 for the return flow.
Related news: Ministry sets free exodus quota of 24,072 for bus passengers
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Translator: Benardy Ferdiansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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