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)