Train commuters decline by 15%

JAKARTA: The number of train commuters traveling between the capital and the surrounding areas of Depok, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi, or Jadebotabek, decreased by 15.32 percent, from 109.89 million people in November 2002 to 93.06 million in November 2003, an official said on Friday.

Director of trade and service at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Rusman Heriawan did not provide a reason for the decline.

"However, there was an increase of 7.85 million Jadebotabek commuters in November compared to the previous month.

"The increase was caused by the mudik tradition during Idul Fitri," he said, referring to the custom of city residents returning to their hometowns over the Islamic holiday, which fell on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26. -- Antara