Puncak visits peak over long weekend

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.