Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Emphasises Disaster Mitigation and Vulnerability Points in Travel

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has emphasised disaster mitigation and vulnerability points in travel. He stated that the government is continuously working to ensure the readiness of all modes of transportation during the Eid homecoming and return period. Various mitigation measures have also been prepared to anticipate potential travel disruptions, including the impacts of extreme weather or potential disasters at several vulnerable points. “We hope that multi-modal transportation during this Eid period can be prepared as best as possible. Various potential risks have also been mitigated, including the readiness of teams at several points with high vulnerability levels so that if disruptions occur, they can be handled immediately,” AHY said in his statement in Jakarta on Thursday. Based on the presentation by PT KAI, the number of train journeys prepared for this year’s Eid transportation period has increased by around 2.1 per cent compared to the previous year, with a total of approximately 49,886 train journeys for long-distance and local services. Coordinating Minister AHY also reaffirmed that the government is continuously encouraging improved transportation access for the public during the homecoming period, including through train ticket discount policies. “In line with the President’s directives, the government is striving to enhance transportation access for the public during Eid homecoming, especially for those in need. Through PT KAI, discounts of up to 30 per cent on tickets are provided, targeting around 1.2 million passengers,” he explained. In addition to the ticket discount programme, the government is also implementing several other support programmes, such as the free homecoming programme and the free motorcycle (motis) programme, which allows the public to transport motorcycles using trains to their hometowns. “In addition to preparing physical infrastructure, services to the public must also continue to be improved in a humane and enjoyable manner. Homecoming travel is not just a physical journey, but a journey of the heart towards the hometown,” he explained. He added that strengthening rail transportation is also an important part of efforts to reduce traffic density on highways during the Eid homecoming period.