Government facilitates shuttle bus service for residents to attend Monas people's bazaar

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is facilitating a shuttle bus service for residents down to the RT/RW level to attend the people’s bazaar in the Monas area, Jakarta, on Saturday, to ensure the public can more easily obtain staple goods and various clothing items.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, in his statement at the event titled Istana Untuk Rakyat, said that the mobilisation of residents is carried out through data collection by local apparatus as well as transportation support coordinated with authorities.

“Earlier, they were picked up from the lurah offices using buses, thanks to the police, then brought here. The RT chair records who is going with their children and families, and they will be escorted back home,” said Teddy.

He explained that the data collection is done by RT/RW chairs so that residents travelling with their families can be well-organised from departure to return.

According to Teddy, this scheme is also part of the government’s efforts to provide an inclusive Lebaran experience, especially for residents who are not going home or have just returned from their hometowns.

“The concept is for as many people as possible to feel the joy of Lebaran, both those who cannot go home, and those who have returned from going home, coming here, and we facilitate it,” he said.

In addition to easing access, the shuttle service also gives residents the opportunity to enjoy the people’s entertainment atmosphere in the Monas area without worrying about transportation costs.

Teddy added that the high enthusiasm of the public caused queues to lengthen at times, but residents could still enjoy the series of events provided while waiting.

“Earlier the queue was quite long. I asked them one by one, they understand that it’s okay to queue, while enjoying the Monas night atmosphere with lights, music and so on,” he said.

He stated that this mobilisation concept has the potential to be implemented again in similar activities in the future, in line with the high public participation in the event.