Holiday travel up on last year

YOGYAKARTA: Despite higher inflation following the fuel price increases, the number of holiday travelers during this year Idul Fitri rose by 4 percent compared to last year, Minister of Transportation Hatta Radjasa said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the number of people traveling home for the holiday by third-class train increased by 170 percent, he added.

"The increase could also seen in the number of people traveling by ship and motorcycle," Hatta said at the home of former People's Consultative Assembly speaker, Amien Rais, in Sawitsari, Condongcatur, Sleman, during an "open-house" event.

He said the annual exodus had mainly been trouble free so far, despite reported landslides and floods in several areas. However, eight buses had been found violating the maximum fare for Idul Fitri trips.

"But I heard no report of bus abandoning its passengers. If any such cases come to my notice, I'll make sure to revoke the companies' permits," he said. -- JP