Mudik Traffic from Java to West Sumatra and Riau Eases on H-2 Before Eid

The mudik flow from Java towards West Sumatra and Riau, using private vehicles and public buses, has been observed to start easing as it enters two days before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, or H-2 Lebaran. A migrant from South Solok Regency in West Sumatra, Ihwanuddin, at the Pijoan-Sebapo toll exit in Jambi on Thursday, stated that he deliberately chose to mudik close to the holiday to avoid vehicle congestion on the Trans-Sumatra route. “Seeing news of long traffic jams yesterday in the Betung area (Musi Banyuasin), we decided to postpone; we started our journey on Wednesday (18/3) in the afternoon. Now we’ve entered Jambi, it’s relatively quick because the roads are smooth, no jams,” he said. He assessed that the existence of the toll road from Bayung Lencir (South Sumatra) to Pijoan (Jambi), spanning 52 kilometres, is considered quite helpful for traffic flow, while also shortening travel time. He added that the functional toll from Keramasan and Musi Landas towards Banyuasin in South Sumatra also saves time and distance. “Usually, entering and exiting Palembang city is always congested; now, mudik travellers journeying in the daytime don’t need to enter Palembang city,” he added. Ihwanuddin hopes the government accelerates toll road connectivity from South Sumatra to Jambi in the Betung to Tampino area. Considering that the Trans-Sumatra East Crossroad (Jalintim) in that region often experiences congestion due to the density of vehicles passing through the main road. “There are many bus alternatives, all good, and prices are normal. Buses are the choice for mudik this year,” he said. He added that for employees with short Eid leave, buses can be an alternative mode of transport. “We can work along the way, the seats are comfortable. It’s suitable for employees like me who only get one week off; round trip from Jakarta to Pekanbaru is just enough time,” stated Adis.