Health Ministry Prepares Healthcare Services and Education to Ensure Safe Return Journeys

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that his ministry is preparing healthcare services and intensifying education at various travel points to ensure that travellers, particularly drivers, return safely during the homecoming flow. “We want to ensure that the public returns from their Eid holidays in good health and safety. The government has prepared free health check services, especially for drivers, as they greatly determine travel safety,” Budi said when confirmed in Jakarta on Friday. In addition to healthcare services, education for the public is being ramped up, particularly regarding the importance of taking periodic breaks during long journeys. His side urged drivers to rest every three hours, as fatigued and drowsy drivers are one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Budi expressed gratitude that, thanks to cross-sectoral synergy, the number of accidents during this year’s Eid homecoming and return flows has reportedly experienced a significant decline. Not only that, the government is also encouraging the use of safer modes of transportation, such as motorcycle transport services via trains to reduce the risk of road accidents. “Motorcycle transport facilities via trains can be a solution to reduce congestion and suppress accident risks, especially for long-distance riders,” he explained. Meanwhile, the implementation of one-way traffic engineering remains part of efforts to support the smooth flow of return traffic, while providing space for safer and more controlled mobility. The government invites all the public to utilise the available healthcare services and maintain their physical condition during the journey for collective safety. In addition, the Government continues to strengthen security efforts for the Lebaran return flow through traffic engineering and healthcare services to ensure the public can travel safely, comfortably, and remain healthy. On the same occasion, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno stated that the implementation of one-way traffic engineering is part of the government’s strategy to ease vehicle density during the return flow. “The application of one-way routes is an effort to ease the return flow density while providing maximum service to the public. We want to ensure that the journey remains safe, comfortable, and smooth,” Pratikno said. Despite the increase in mobility, the safety rate shows significant improvement. Throughout the homecoming period, the number of accidents on the journey was recorded to have dropped by around 16 percent compared to 2023, from 31 incidents to 26 incidents. This proves that the management of the Eid homecoming flow is not only able to accommodate increased movement but is also increasingly effective in safeguarding public safety.