30 military trucks for travelers

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro said on Wednesday that the command would provide 30 military trucks to help transport holiday travelers to their hometowns for the upcoming Christmas and Idul Fitri festivities.

"The trucks will help transport holiday travelers to wherever their hometowns are. If the initial 30 trucks are not enough, then additional trucks will be prepared," Kirbiantoro told reporters after a gathering to mark the break of the fast at the Jakarta military headquarters in East Jakarta.

The trucks will complement the number of regular buses serving the holiday travelers to their respective hometowns. It is estimated that the holiday travelers will outnumber the buses that are capable of making long distance trips.

The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJR) has predicted that over 1.2 million holiday travelers will depart the capital during the holiday season.

Some 6,321 buses have been prepared to carry the travelers to their respective hometowns.

When asked about the ability of the command to safeguard the capital during the holiday festivities, Kirbiantoro said the command would be ready to back up the police force.

"We will be ready to deploy our troop if requested by the city police headquarters," he said.

However, the two-star general urged Jakartans to safeguard their property due to the limited number of security personnel.

"Jakarta will be safe if the residents actively safeguard their own areas," he said.

Christmas will fall on Dec. 25, followed by the Idul Fitri two on Dec. 27. (asa)