Jakarta - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi appealed to the public to travel home early before the peak of the homecoming flow on April 5-8 2024. The aim is to avoid crowds during the peak of the homecoming flow. This was conveyed by the Minister of Transportation when attending the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Meeting on Readiness for Eid al-Fitr 1445H organized by the Indonesian National Police, at the Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (25/3).

"The homecoming peak that was previously stated was D-4, D-3 and D-2. On those days it will be very high. Therefore, we are appealing to some people whose children are already on holiday to be able to go home earlier," said the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister of Transportation also reminded people not to use motorbikes to go home because it is very dangerous. People can use public transportation or take advantage of the free homecoming program provided by the Ministry of Transportation or other agencies.

Then the Minister of Transportation explained a number of things that must receive attention in transportation this Eid. "We hope that a number of points will be of concern to the National Police. The first is the overflow market which is often a problem point for homecoming flows, especially in the areas of West Java, Central Java and East Java. The second is related to the regulation of ships at the ports of South Sulawesi, Riau, East Kalimantan and East Java, especially Madura "And from the air side, Soekarno Hatta Airport and Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport have the potential to be busier than usual so they can be given more attention," said the Minister of Transportation.

Responding to the potential for high movement, the Minister of Transportation said that the Ministry of Transportation has prepared an Integrated Eid Transport Post which will be held from 3 to 18 April 2024 in the Mataram Room of the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Indonesian Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy appealed to all travelers and transport operators to check the roadworthiness of the vehicles they will use before traveling. Travelers are also asked not to stop to rest on the shoulder of the toll road. Apart from that, it is hoped that the use of the rest area will be no more than 30 minutes so that you can take turns with the next traveler.

"Drivers also need to prepare for health and fitness, ensure vehicle fuel and e-toll balance is sufficient so that homecoming traffic runs smoothly," said Coordinating Minister Muhadjir.

Chief of Police of the Republic of Indonesia General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo said that the National Police will hold Operation Ketupat 2024 in order to serve and maintain the Eid 2024 homecoming and return flow program.

Operation Ketupat will run for 13 days, namely from 4-16 April 2024. There will be 155,165 personnel involved in Operation Ketupat, namely 1,150 personnel from Police Headquarters, 85,064 personnel from Polda, and 68,969 personnel from related agencies.

"There will be 5,784 posts which will be prepared to provide services, both on toll roads, rest areas, arteries and routes in tourist areas. We will also evaluate buffer zones, especially those entering the crossing area towards Merak. "Usually there is potential for congestion there when people are waiting to cross," explained the National Police Chief.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Indonesian National Army, General TNI Agus Subiyanto, said that the TNI is preparing 67,955 TNI personnel as assistance to the Police in facing the Eid period. Supporting facilities such as Hercules, helicopters, tow trucks and auxiliary ambulances have also been prepared if needed.

Regarding food availability, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said that the availability of basic commodities and food for the Eid al-Fitr period was more than sufficient. For this reason, people are advised to buy enough, there is no need to panic and buy excessively.

Also attending were Deputy Minister of Religion Syaiful Rahmat, Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa, Chairman of BMKG Prof. Dwikorita Kamawati, Head of BNPB Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto, Head of Basarnas Marshal Madya TNI Kusworo, and Main Director of Pertamina Nicke Widyawati. (RYS/HH/SR/BRD)