Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged stakeholders to ensure a reasonable travel fare to facilitate residents' travel to their hometowns during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr exodus season.

The vice president's call was conveyed as a reminder for stakeholders about the potential risk of travel price hikes during the Eid season amid the increasing prices of food commodities.

"There are indications that food prices are increasing and can affect other aspects (such as travel fare). We expect (the travel fare), if increased, will be in a reasonable range and not too high. The government will regulate this issue later," Amin stated during his visit to Southeast Sulawesi on Thursday (March 21).

He remarked that the government has anticipated the potential surge in the number of travelers during the 2024 Eid homecoming period by strengthening security measures and ensuring transport availability.

The Transportation Ministry projected 193 million residents, equal to 71.7 percent of the Indonesian population, to participate in this year's Eid homecoming.

The projected figure reflects an increase of more than 60 percent as compared to 2023 when the number of people who participated in the exodus had stood at 123.8 million.

"I believe this year's (Eid travelers) will increase from last year, and we have anticipated it through cabinet meetings to discuss security and availability of transportation," Amin said.

Despite the government having made intensive preparations to ensure the smoothness of Eid homecoming, he expects travelers to play their part by prioritizing safety while traveling.

The vice president is also optimistic that last year's Eid homecoming travel management, which proceeded smoothly, would be emulated in this year's season.

"Last year, the (Eid travel) management was good, and I am convinced this year will be better than the last," he said.


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Translator: Rangga P/Deden S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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