In 2022, we recorded a total of 3,573 cases, but the figure declined to 2,117 this year.
Semarang (ANTARA) - The number of traffic accidents recorded a decline of 39 percent during this year's Eid homecoming exodus (mudik) compared to the year-ago period, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy has informed.

"We are witnessing a good trend, with the figure of accidents experiencing a 39-percent decline compared to last year. In 2022, we recorded a total of 3,573 cases, but the figure declined to 2,117 this year. Overall, it is a 39-percent decline," the minister stated at Kalikangkung Toll Road Gate, Semarang, Central Java, on Monday.

Effendy said that the decline was experienced concurrently with the shrinking number of deaths due to accidents during this year's exodus compared to the same period of last year.

"A 72-percent decline in casualties occurred during the period from D-5 to D-day. As of D-day, a total of 164 deaths were recorded, while in the previous year, the figure reached 583," he disclosed.

Moreover, the number of injured this year also fell by 33 percent, with 2,013 travelers hurt in road mishaps compared to almost 3 thousand last year.

The minister also urged travelers to follow traffic signs and instructions from officers on the field and to drive within the acceptable speed limit.

Additionally, he asked travelers to ensure that their cars and drivers are in prime condition.

"Prime condition of the cars and the drivers is a must, and not to mention, sufficient fuel," he said.

The minister, at 2:45 p.m. WIB (Western Indonesia Standard Time) on Monday afternoon, officially opened the one-way traffic system to ensure smooth return flow on D+1 of this year's Eid al-Fitr.

The system was initially scheduled to open 45 minutes earlier, but its opening was pushed back due to dense traffic outflow from Jakarta.

"We meant to open it at 2 p.m., but we had to postpone it as the mudik flow was still quite busy. Therefore, we prolonged the chance (to leave Jakarta) on this D+1,” he informed.

The one-way system from Kalikangkung Toll to Cikampek Toll was scheduled to be in place until Monday midnight. However, the schedule could change in case of a shift in the situation on the field.

"There may be an adjustment from the traffic police. Hopefully, this one-way return flow system will run smoothly," Effendy added.


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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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