Government Fully Oversees Lebaran Mudik Preparations and Traffic Flow
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the government will fully oversee the readiness of this year's Lebaran mudik. The focus is not only on traffic flow but also on the feasibility of infrastructure and reducing travel costs.
He stated this after taking part in a breaking-fast event with the Democratic Party in Jakarta on Wednesday (4 March). According to AHY, mudik readiness must be viewed holistically because it involves various modes of transport.
‘We will monitor continuously and prepare all transport facilities; when we talk transport, it must be multimodal; most traffic uses roads, so our roads must be in good condition; if there are damages or potholes, they must be filled and repaired immediately. The Public Works Ministry has prepared steps and already has experience from previous periods,’ he said.
He added that the experience from previous Christmas and Lebaran periods provides a reference. Heavy equipment and repair materials are on standby to be deployed quickly in various regions.
Beyond road infrastructure, the readiness of transport fleets is a primary concern. The government ensures that aircraft, ships, trains and buses are in operable condition, given that mobility increases each year.
‘Of course, when we talk about transport, our aviation, our ships must be fit for operation, including buses, land vehicles and trains,’ he explained.
AHY said the government realises mobility increases during holiday periods each year. Therefore, all infrastructure aspects and supporting facilities will be available and usable by the public.
‘For example, at ferry crossings and rest areas, arrangements must be made and traffic managed properly, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation and the Indonesian National Police, especially the Traffic Corps (Korlantas),’ he explained.
‘We will ensure, with technology, with modern management and with proven systems, that this can be prepared well again this time,’ he added.
It’s not only about smooth traffic; the government also aims to reduce travel costs to be more affordable for the public. The measures include ticket prices and toll roads.
‘Of course, efforts to lower ticket prices, whether for air travel, ships, or trains, in addition to reducing toll tariffs. Hopefully this can ease the burden and can stimulate the local economy when mobility is high,’ he concluded.
Puluhan titik u-turn (putaran arah) along the Pantura corridor in the jurisdiction of Polresta Cirebon, West Java, will be closed.