Avoid Backflow Density, Minister Of Transportation: If Leave Can Be Extended You Should Go Home After 8 May!

Photo via Ministry of Transportation

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi reminded the public to avoid the peak of backflow which is predicted to occur on Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8. In fact, if necessary, travelers should return to overseas after that date.

This was conveyed by Budi so that the community would not be trapped in the middle of the backflow density. Moreover, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has also paid attention to the handling of the Lebaran homecoming flow this year.

"Mr. President Joko Widodo pays special attention to the handling of backflow to avoid overcrowding, namely urging the public to return early before the peak of the backflow on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022," said Budi in a written statement quoted on Wednesday, 4 May.

"Or if the leave can be extended, you should go home after May 8," he added.

Budi said there are two main points that travelers must pay attention to when returning overseas, namely the Semarang-Jakarta toll road and the Bakauheni-Merak crossing.

Furthermore, he also conveyed several appeals that travelers should take to prevent traffic congestion.

"That is, don't force yourself to use the rest area on the toll road if it's full, and don't stop at the shoulder of the road," said Budi.

He said this should not be done by travelers because it is dangerous and creates traffic jams. Budi said that if people were tired after traveling, they could exit the toll road in the nearest city.

There, he continued, a safer and more flexible resting place has been provided. Budi said that the regional government and other parties had prepared sub-district offices, urban villages, police stations, and other places that travelers could use to unwind.

In addition, Budi asked the public to continue to update information about the ongoing traffic engineering. This can be done by accessing official social media belonging to toll road operators and the police.

"We also urge you to drive well, don't cross the lane and obey the instructions from the officers in the field. Make sure that the process is also carried out properly," he said.

Meanwhile for passengers using ships such as those departing from Bakauheni to Merak, they are asked to buy tickets long before departure. The purchase of these tickets, said Budi, should be done online to prevent the accumulation of passengers, such as during the homecoming flow.

Not only that, the public can also depart from additional docks that are operated, such as in the homecoming flow.

From the direction of Sumatra, Panjang Port in Lampung will be used for large vehicles such as trucks carrying goods, so that at Bakauheni Port it can load more other vehicles such as cars, buses and motorbikes.

"Likewise, in Merak, Ciwandaran and Indah Kiat ports will continue to operate to break up the density of backflow to the Merak Ferry Port," said Budi.

The public is asked to follow all existing advice. Thus, the density such as when the flow of going home does not occur when the flow is back.

"We ask the public to follow the advice that has been conveyed, so that the return trip will be more comfortable," he concluded.