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