State companies in railway and airline transport are expected to be alternatives (for residents)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, on Tuesday, visited Pasar Senen Station in Central Jakarta to observe its readiness to cater to a surge in passengers during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period.

President Director of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) Didiek Hartyanto accompanied Thohir during the visit to the station.

"Today, I, along with PT KAI's president director Mr Didiek, are observing our precautionary measures to handle the surge in the number of passengers predicted to increase by 40 million (during the Eid exodus period)," Thohir stated at the press conference here.

The minister said that the railway company has increased the number of daily departures to handle a surge in the number of residents, who decided to travel to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr by train.

"I encouraged PT KAI to increase its capacity, and they increased it to 53 destinations daily. Moreover, to attract more passengers, we have launched promotional programs, and the company management has also launched various innovations, such as promotional tickets, iftar food, and drinks," Thohir explained.

State companies in the public transportation sector are expected to provide an alternative for residents seeking modes to return to their hometowns and to reduce the use of private vehicles, he stated.

"State companies in railway and airline transport are expected to be alternatives (for residents). A lot more (residents) decided to continue using private vehicles, but (by doing so), they must consider the travel timing, traffic congestion, fuel costs, and other factors," the minister expounded.

Railway transport is easy, fast, and direct, he said, while adding that state-owned airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia subsidiary Citilink, and other companies have also provided affordable tickets.

"It is also an alternative, as we continue improving airline transport," Thohir stated.

Meanwhile, Hartyanto said that the Eid exodus is expected to peak on April 21. He also urged passengers to arrive earlier at train stations to avoid missing the trains departing on time.

"Tomorrow, on April 19, (the passenger number) will increase again, and the peak is expected on April 21, with the Eid al-Fitr date expected to be on April 22," the company chief remarked.

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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Z, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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