Transport Minister: Mosques Prepared as Rest Areas for Homebound Travellers on Arterial Routes
Jakarta — Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandha announced that the government is preparing mosques as rest areas for homebound travellers passing through arterial routes during the Eid holiday transport period. The Transport Ministry is collaborating with the Religious Affairs Ministry to provide these facilities to assist travellers, particularly motorcycle users, so they can rest safely throughout their journey.
Purwagandha explained that this policy is part of several measures the Transport Ministry has prepared to support smooth homebound travel. The government is also coordinating with various parties, including the military, police, and transport stakeholders, to ensure services for the public run optimally.
“We are working with the Religious Affairs Ministry to prepare mosques as rest areas for homebound travellers, particularly two-wheeled vehicles on arterial roads,” the Transport Minister said following a military deployment rally for Operation Ketupat 2026 preparations at the National Monument in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
He stated that Eid holiday transport preparedness is the result of inter-agency coordination conducted by the government. Support from security personnel to transport stakeholders is expected to maintain smooth public mobility during the homebound period.
“We believe that, God willing, everyone is ready to help and serve our people who will be undertaking their Eid homebound journeys,” said Purwagandha.
In traffic management during the homebound period, the government is also implementing operational restrictions on heavy vehicles. This policy is outlined in a joint decision to regulate vehicles with three or more axles to not operate during certain periods.
“The Transport Ministry is preparing several policies, including restrictions on heavy vehicles through a joint decision. By not operating three-axle and above vehicles during certain periods, we hope traveller journeys will be safer and more comfortable,” he said.
The government is also focusing on ferry crossing traffic, which is expected to experience a surge in passengers. The Merak–Bakauheni and Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossings are important points being monitored during the Eid holiday transport period.
“At the crossings we are preparing two main points that receive public attention during the Eid holiday transport, particularly at Merak. We are preparing four ports that are expected to expedite the Merak–Bakauheni and Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing traffic,” explained Purwagandha.
The Transport Minister added that the government is also preparing various additional facilities for homebound travellers, including utilising weighbridges as temporary rest areas. Additionally, health facilities such as community health centres are being prepared to support travel safety.
“We are also preparing weighbridges to be used as rest areas, as well as several other points that can be utilised. The Health Ministry is also preparing community health centres as rest areas for homebound travellers,” said Purwagandha.
He also urged the public to plan their journeys well and follow the guidance of field officers. Homebound travellers were reminded to monitor travel information and weather conditions before departure so that their journeys proceed more safely and smoothly.