"As of now, everything has to be prepared because traveling home is the community`s annual tradition," the president said before participants of a Coordinating Meeting of the Sumatra Governors` Forum here on Friday.
The preparations must be made now, not a week before Idul Fitri because Muslims would observe Ramadhan (fasting) in a couple of days, the head of state said.
The home-bound trips (locally known as "mudik") were very good because the people could meet relatives and friends, according to the president.
The head of state also ordered the provision of supporting facilities and infrastructures to smooth the journeys of home-bound travelers.
He also instructed the concerned ministries to anticipate the prolonged food price hikes and if necessary to carry out market operations. Supply of food must also be guaranteed, he said.
The government has estimated 15.4 million people throughout the archipelago would be traveling home by buses, trains, ships, airplanes, private cars and motorcycles during the Lebaran holiday season this year.
The number of this year`s home-bound travelers is expected to increase by 4.14 percent from 14.8 million last year.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
