Holiday exodus has peaked, but its not over yet

JAKARTA (JP): Predictions that the peak of the holiday exodus would fall yesterday -- three days before Idul Fitri -- turned out to be incorrect as 180,000 people had left the city Sunday.

Only an estimated 110,000 holidaymakers departed yesterday, including 38,000 train passengers and another 60,000 on buses, according to data from the national Idul Fitri post.

The data revealed that 152,000 people boarded public land transportation Sunday, while a further 28,000 departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Merak Port and in their private vehicles.

The head of the City Land Transportation Agency, J.P. Sepang, said Sunday's figures for those traveling by land exceeded last year's 24-hour peak of 142,000 passengers.

"I think the peak of the exodus was recorded on Sunday, because many private corporations had started their holidays on Saturday," he said.

"This year is also quite extraordinary because the flow of passengers proceeded in an orderly fashion so, even though the crowds were huge, everybody got to their bus."

Governor Sutiyoso said, after meeting with President Soeharto at his residence on Jl. Cendana in Central Jakarta, that this year's exodus is projected to reach 2.5 million people.

The number was far less than the Directorate General of Land Transportation's estimation of 3.5 million people traveling out of the city during the Idul Fitri holiday.

Sutiyoso reiterated his warning yesterday that no new migrants should enter Jakarta. He made the statement during a visit to Senen railway station, in Central Jakarta, and Pulogadung bus terminal, in East Jakarta.

He has repeatedly warned people -- who lack the necessary skills and experience -- not to come to Jakarta because it is not a dream city and they will become a burden for existing residents.

"I understand that it is difficult to prevent people from coming to the city. Therefore, the best thing to do now is to actively encourage people to stay in their hometowns and stop burdening this city."

During his visit, Sutiyoso also told passengers not to bring back their relatives and friends.

He approached a teenage boy and asked him about his background.

"So you're from Padang ... do you feel that living in Jakarta is easy?"

"It's difficult, Sir," the boy answered. "I've just been laid off ... I was working at a factory but it went bankrupt."

"So, are you planning to come back?" the 52-year-old general said. "If you do ... please don't bring companions with you.

"Padangnese are usually very good in business and very thrifty, too. I wish you good luck then."

The boy smiled and said he would give job hunting another shot when he returns to Jakarta.

There were more incidents of fare violations yesterday at the bus terminals.

At Pulogadung, the Apollo bus company charged a passenger Rp 42,000 for a one way ticket to Surakarta, far more than the official price of Rp 35,000.

The bus company will be notified of the violation and further action will be taken by Directorate General of Land Transportation.

Shopping

After visiting the bus terminal, Sutiyoso headed to Pasar Minggu terminal in South Jakarta and surprised two girls who were shopping near the terminal.

"I want to buy new pants and skirts, Sir," a seven-year-old girl said, prompting Sutiyoso to open his wallet and give her Rp 20,000.

"Here's your Lebaran present," he said and the crowd laughed in response.

The chief of Purwakarta Regional Police, Col. Rakhmat, said there have been at least 19 traffic accidents in his area, particularly near the Cikopo gate of the Cikampek toll road, since Jan. 20.

"Sixteen people have died in these accidents."

He expects a rise in the number of vehicles passing through his area.

"I think more than 26,000 vehicles will pass through here tonight," he said, adding that the traffic flow peaked last Saturday with 26,000 vehicles.

The national Idul Fitri post estimates 100,000 people will leave Jakarta today. (edt/cst)