JP/5/EXODUS

JP/5/EXODUS

Police, private firms spoil motorists ahead of Idul Fitri

Indra Harsaputra
The Jakarta Post/Surabaya

Hidayat, a factory worker in Surabaya, is pleased to hear the
news that the Surabaya Police are going to provide a security
service for motorists returning to their hometowns ahead of the
Idul Fitri holiday.

"It makes me feel secure," said Hidayat, on Saturday, of the
service, which is offered for the second time this year.

The scheme was first conceived to prevent road robberies and
accidents in the holiday season.

Besides providing a sense of security, the program has opened
up new opportunities for motorists. As they must travel in a
group, they may get to know new people or forge business
alliances on the journey home.

The program is repeated this year as last year it was proven
successful, the police said.

Surabaya Police chief Sr. Comr. Sutarman said the program
helped reduce traffic ahead of Idul Fitri on main streets in East
Java.

Sutarman said the police provided security from five days
before the Idul Fitri holiday. The motorists -- usually a hundred
to a group -- would assemble in Surya Park, downtown Surabaya and
two police officers on motorcycles would escort them to the
city's outskirts.

Besides the police, some private firms have also provided
services for motorists. Telecommunications firm PT Telkomsel has
deposited free maps and guides to travel in the holiday season in
malls, car dealerships and other public places.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya, which manages the mini-market chain
Alfamart, is providing rest shelters for motorists. The shelters
are located in the vicinity of its mini-market outlets in East
Java. If a motorist spends Rp 10,000 at an outlet, they will get
a free tea, coffee or mineral water.