"We ask to return (earlier) on December 30 or 31, 2023, or if the leave can be extended, you should go home after January 1 and 2, 2024, so that the trip is more comfortable and smoother," Minister Sumadi remarked here on Saturday.
According to the ministry's projection, the peak of the return flow will occur on Jan 1-2.
This is also supported by data from state highway company PT Jasa Marga that projected 140 thousand travelers with cars will return to the Greater Jakarta area during the peak day.
This figure increased by 28 percent from the peak of the Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023 homecoming flow, which is 110 thousand vehicles.
Most vehicles will travel from the east direction to Greater Jakarta.
Related news: Travelers should follow health protocols during holidays: Minister
To prevent traffic congestion on the peak day, Jasa Marga has cut 10 percent of the toll road tariff on Wednesday, January 3.
The discount applies to the Trans Java Toll Road, from Semarang to Jakarta, or from the Kalikangkung Toll Gate to the Cikampek Utama Toll Gate.
Furthermore, Sumadi appealed to travelers to not force themselves if they experience fatigue and exhaustion and to use the rest areas if the toll roads are congested.
The minister also called on them to not stop at roadsides, as it endangers the lives of other travelers and causes traffic.
"If feeling tired, people can exit the toll road and enter the nearest city and take rest at the locations that have been prepared. This is safer and more comfortable," he stated.
He also called on people to read the latest information from the official social media accounts of the police and toll road operators.
Related news: Ministry projects 107 million to travel during year-end holidays
Translator: Adimas P, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
