Be prepared for bumpy 'mudik'

Be prepared for bumpy 'mudik'

JAKARTA: By far one of the biggest obstacles sure to face
millions of revelers during homecoming, or (mudik), of the fast
approaching holiday season will be 150 kilometers of potholed,
crumbling roads in Java and Sumatra.

According to Minister of Resettlement and Regional
Infrastructure Soenarno, the worst damage could be found along
the well-traveled 140 km of main roads in eastern Sumatra that
link Lampung, South Sumatra and Jambi.

The remaining 10 km of damaged highway, he added, was in Java
-- especially between Cilengsi, Jonggol in West Java and Serdang
and Bojonegoro in East Java.

The main roads Soenarno identified are only those under
supervision of the central government.

Known by government officials as "Lebaran highways," the
thoroughfares include 5,738 km in southern Sumatra, 1,645 km in
Lampung, 3,636 km in Java and 457 km in Bali.

In addition, the central government oversees some 6,000 km of
alternate roads in Sumatra, Java and Bali.

Millions are expected to travel during the Idul Fitri,
Christmas and New Year holidays, which will all fall close to
each other this year. --Antara