APEC exodus begins

Many toll roads leading out of Jakarta were congested yesterday as residents of the capital rushed to leave town for an extended holiday, courtesy of APEC.

Some of them appeared to be heading for Bogor, the venue of the APEC leadership meeting. If so, this could somewhat defeat the whole purpose of holidaying away from APEC business.

Inns and motels in the Puncak hill resort, a popular getaway for Jakartans further up from Bogor, are reporting brisk business.

The government declared Monday and Tuesday a holiday for Jakarta to prevent the massive traffic congestion that could be created by the presence of the 18 APEC leaders and their delegations.

A holiday has also been declared for Bogor on Tuesday, the day the APEC leaders meet in that town. (emb)