The South Coast Route Is An Alternative Homecoming If Pantura Is Congested, Unfortunately, Still Lack Of Lights And Gas Stations

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation together with relevant agencies are checking the south coast route (pansela) in the Banten, West Java, Central Java, and DIY regions in preparation for the implementation of Eid 2023 (1444 Hijriah) transportation.

The Director General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Hendro Sugiatno said the activity of checking the Pansela route was an outreach to the public that this route could be used as an alternative route when the toll road or northern coast route is congested.

"When the toll roads leading to the eastern region are congested and congested, the Pansela route can be used as an alternative homecoming," Hendro said in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday, January 19, as quoted by Antara.

The review was carried out by Hendro Sugiatno together with the Director of Road and Bridge Preservation Region I of the PUPR Ministry Akhmad Cahyadi, Kakorlantas Polri Inspector General Pol Firman Santyabudi, and Operational Director of PT Jasa Raharja Dewi Aryani Suzana.

From this direct observation, the Ministry of Transportation found that the Pansela route was not very attractive to travelers. Starting from the lack of street lighting, the lack of signs that could endanger motorists, and the lack of rest areas and gas stations.

"We will speed up the construction of road safety facilities for street lighting and signs. Hopefully, the construction will be completed before the Lebaran homecoming season," said Hendro.

Meanwhile, during the review, Akhmad Cahyadi explained the progress of the construction of the Pansela route.

"The Pansela route from the zero pansela point in Simpang Labuan, Banten Province to East Java is 1,543 kilometers long. Of the 1,543 kilometers there are still 229 kilometers in East Java Province which are ongoing projects which will be connected within the next 2-3 years," he said.

He also confirmed the explanation from the Director General of Land Transportation that on the Pansela route there were still deficiencies such as street lighting, signs, and limited gas stations.

"But on the Pansela route the road is quite good with road stability of up to 85 percent, free from traffic jams, beautiful beach views, and lots of culinary places," he said.

Currently, the Directorate General of Highways of the Ministry of PUPR is conducting a survey to build rest areas and gas stations on the Pansela route consisting of 2 points built in Banten, 6 points in West Java, 9 points in Central Java, and 6 points in East Java. In total there are 23 recommended rest areas to be built on the Pansela route.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Firman Shantyabudi said that during the Pansela route survey this time, points were also identified that were likely to cause traffic jams and prone to traffic accidents for further deployment of Polri personnel during the Eid transportation period.

"We want to ensure that when travelers use the Pansela route, their trip is safe, secure and smooth," said Firman.