APEC exodus begins

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)