Ahead Of Christmas And New Year, The Ministry Of Transportation Anticipates Extreme Weather And Floods On The Semarang Line

Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Transportation)

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Directorate General of Land Transportation (Ditjen Hubdat) has prepared anticipatory steps to deal with potential extreme weather and flooding in the Semarang area and its surroundings ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year (Nataru) transportation periods.

The Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, said that the potential for flooding is a major concern because the Semarang area has special characteristics, namely flood-prone from the sea (rob) and from the ground due to high rainfall.

"Based on BMKG predictions, the peak of the rainy season will occur from December to January. Semarang has unique characteristics because floods can come from the sea (rob floods) and land (due to rain), so serious anticipation is needed," said Aan in an official statement, quoted Friday, November 14.

Aan emphasized that if there are no careful anticipatory steps, the arterial route around Semarang has the potential to experience severe congestion when heavy rains or floods hit. This condition can disrupt the smooth running of traffic during the Nataru holiday period.

"About the weather, please pay attention to the limited alternative routes when there is flooding and rain simultaneously," he said.

In addition to the weather, Aan also highlighted the importance of traffic engineering as an effort to maintain the smooth flow of vehicles during the peak of holidays. He asked for intensive coordination between stakeholders to prepare various scenarios for traffic flow diversion.

"Traffic engineering, please coordinate with all stakeholders, it is better to do it than not at all. Such as diverting the flow from Kalikangkung to Wleri, please coordinate the handling," said Aan.

Aan also highlighted the potential for congestion in tourist areas that are people's favorite destinations during long holidays, such as Bandungan, Solo, and Yogyakarta.

"Predicions and from previous experience, when Nataru mostly goes to tourist attractions, departs in the morning and returns in the afternoon. Please anticipate properly, for traffic engineering, especially in agglomeration areas," explained Aan.

In addition, the Directorate General of Hubdat is also preparing arrangements for the toll road rest area which is often a density-prone point. One of them, at the Rest Area 424B of the Semarang Toll Road, which often experiences long queues.

Aan also ensured that all these steps were taken to ensure that Nataru's transportation services run safely, smoothly, and comfortably for the community.

"Traffic engineering in the rest area please coordinate with the manager. Keep looking for solutions to overcome the accumulation of vehicles in the area and don't let it become a source of congestion," he said.