Mega to sign decree on holiday exodus

SURAKARTA, Central Java: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to issue a presidential decree to better coordinate government agencies that cater to the needs of holidaymakers who wish to travel to their hometowns for Idul Fitri.

Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno said on Sunday the decree would instruct relevant government agencies to make thorough preparations to ease the way for the millions of people who will leave major cities en masse for the Islamic holiday.

In previous years, such arrangements were made in accordance with a ministerial decree.

Soenarno estimated that up to 1.15 million vehicles would hit the road during the Idul Fitri holiday, which is expected to fall on Nov. 14. -- Antara