JP/8/TAMBAH

JP/8/TAMBAH

Holiday makers pack Puncak

The Jakarta Post, Puncak, Bogor

Holiday makers packed various hotels and other tourism spots at
the Puncak mountain resort area in Bogor regency on Sunday,
causing massive traffic jams following the prolonged Islamic New
Year weekend.

The start of the new Islamic year falls on Tuesday, but the
government shifted the holiday to Monday, allowing for a
prolonged weekend in an effort to "boost domestic tourism".

This domestic tourism policy was initiated last year to
overcome the sharp decline in foreign tourists to Indonesia after
the Bali bombings.

The large number of holidaymakers have forced the local police
to work hard in order to manage the traffic and security.

"We have implemented the one-way traffic rule, depending on
the situation," Bogor Regional Police chief, Sr. Comr. Anton
Bachrul Alam, was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on
Sunday.

"We have also intensified our patrols to anticipate a possible
increase in criminal and drug-related activities in the area."

Anton said it was expected that the congested traffic would
last until Monday.

"Motorists who are heading for Bandung are advised to avoid
the Puncak area and use alternative routes," he said.

"They can use the Jonggol-Cariu-Cianjur route or the Ciawi-
Sukabumi-Cianjur route."

The Puncak area is well known for its mountain scenery spotted
with tea plantations, and is a favorite weekend getaway for
residents of Greater Jakarta. Hotels, villas and restaurants
ready to accommodate holidaymakers have sprouted in profusion on
the mountainside.