30 million to go home for Idul Fitri

30 million to go home for Idul Fitri

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Minister of Transportation
Haryanto Dhanutirto said here yesterday approximately 30 million
people will travel home over the Idul Fitri holiday in January
and related institutions should be prepared for the exodus.

The minister said he does not expect serious problems as
related offices have managed transportation facilities well. The
ministry also cooperates with the Armed Forces to guarantee
security and order, he said.

"We will place the busiest and most crowded areas such as the
Cikampek, Purwakarta three-way intersection and Merak-Bakahuni
ports, as the highest priority," Haryanto added.

State-owned shipping company, Pelni, will lease additional
ships to accommodate travelers if necessary, he said.

Haryanto also said that Pelni had decided to hire a ship
either from Hong Kong or Singapore to serve the route that has
been left vacant since the KM Leuser passenger ship sank after a
collision on Nov. 2.

Pelni has also purchased a new ship from Germany to replace
the other damaged vessel, Kerinci. The new ship will arrive
early next year, Haryanto said. (swe)