Motorists warned to steer clear of markets

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon

Police are warning motorists to avoid certain parts of the Jakarta-Cirebon north coast highway as the activities of 12 traditional markets were disrupting traffic and could cause long delays on the eve of Idul Fitri.

According to data from the Indramayu Police, there are seven parts of the highway prone to traffic jams as a result of traditional markets spilling over onto the road. Those areas are Patrol, Sukra, Eretan Wetan, Bulak/Parean, Bangkir, Jatibarang and Karangampel.

Traditional markets frequently causing traffic jams along the Indramayu-Cirebon highway are located in Tegalgubug, Paliaman, Celancang, Plered and Gebang.

The chief of the Cirebon Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Musyafak, said traditional markets caused heavy congestion because vendors often sell from the side of the road.

"Many traders set up their goods on the side of the highway while minibuses stop on the road to pick up and let off traders and shoppers. The number of pedestrians often cause the buses and cars to stop, and all these factors contribute to long traffic jams," he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

The police have used a persuasive approach to help traders, shoppers and minibus drivers be aware of keeping the traffic flowing smoothly along the highway, he said.

Musyafak said the police had placed traffic cones to divide the road into two lanes, but they are usually moved or damaged by minibus drivers to allow them to make U-turns near the markets.

"The police have tried to persuade the public to comply with traffic rulings. Strict measures will be taken should traders, shoppers and motorists fail to comply with the regulations," he said.

The main problem, he said, was that traders, motorists and shoppers lacked road discipline and, especially in the case of minibuses, the police would not only write tickets but also seize vehicles to prevent recurring traffic violations, he said.

Indramayu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Hadi Sutedjo said the traditional markets were one of several factors potentially causing traffic delays along the highway.

"Accidents are another frequent cause of traffic jams, which can last for many hours, and most accidents are a result of human error.

"Traffic police officers will be deployed in all areas prone to congestion from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Peak hours are from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and there are only several security posts and a few patrol officers who will be patrolling the highway regularly," he said.

Eko said motorists should think about choosing alternative routes if they were traveling to Central or East Java and that the police had placed signs along the way to help motorists reach their destinations.