Homecoming Using A Motorbike Is An Option Because It Is Cheap And The Amount Of Free Transportation For Eid Is Not Worth It

Portrait of travelers on motorbikes. Although it is dangerous, it is still an option because it is cheap and the amount of free transportation provided by the government is not worth it. (AMONG)

JAKARTA - Instructor of PT Wahana Makmur Sejati, Adi "Jotos" Sucipto said that Lebaran 2022 travelers who will use motorbikes should warm up first. Many motorists underestimate this, even though this activity provides many benefits for users of two-wheeled vehicles who will travel long distances.

“Before going on a trip, stretch or warm up, this is very useful for improving blood circulation that flows to the brain. So that the oxygen in our brains will function properly which can keep drivers focused," he told Antara, Monday, April 25, 2022.

Adi added that in order to stay concentrated while driving, make sure to rest every 2 hours, if you are sleepy you should sleep and rest until you are refreshed.

Rows of motorbikes at the Jakarta Gudang Station, which will be sent by train to homecoming travelers during Lebaran 2019. (ANTARA)

Previously, as quoted by Antara on April 18, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through its spokeswoman Adita Irawati appealed to the public to reduce the desire to go home using two-wheeled vehicles, because they are very prone to traffic accidents.

"Although many people choose to go home by motorbike, it is recommended not to, especially if the load capacity is excessive, and the current weather conditions," he said.

Free Homecoming Program

The Ministry of Transportation held a free homecoming program by bus, ship and train in order to reduce travelers using motorbikes. Homecomers can go home for free using public transportation, and their motorbikes are also transported and deposited.

In line with the Ministry of Transportation, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranomo also asked travelers not to use motorbikes to return to their hometowns. Ganjar advised travelers to take advantage of free homecoming transportation.

"We recommend travelers not to use motorbikes, because it will be very dangerous on the road," said Ganjar in a written statement received by VOI, Friday, April 22.

According to Ganjar, the number of homecomers entering Central Java as in previous years is the highest in Indonesia. The number can reach nine million. This year is expected to be more than in previous years.

People's interest in going home by motorbike has existed for a long time, but because the number of accidents is increasing every year, the government has started to look for solutions. Data recorded at the Ministry of Transportation in 2019 there were 1,300,574 motorcycles used for Lebaran homecoming.

Travelers with motorbikes should make maximum use of the rest posts along the road, so that the condition of the riders remains in good shape. (CARMUDI)

Considered more economical and when they arrive at their hometown, they can be used to facilitate activities, is one of the packages that attracts residents to go home by motorbike.

While using the train or bus is considered more expensive than the cost of commuting with two motorbike travelers.

Today's society is entering into a frugal lifestyle. Apart from the increase in fuel prices and several commodities that have gone up first, the consumption of purchasing power has also decreased. No wonder going home by motorbike is an option.

Before entering Ramadan, the price of Pertamax fuel as of April 1, 2022, rose to Rp9000 to Rp13,500 per liter. Before Pertamax went up, the price of 5 kg and 12 kg LPG had gone up first. The still high prices of cooking oil and beef are also part of the community's adaptation to the continuous increase.

Homecoming using a motorbike seems to have become the right choice for travelers. This advantage still increases with a more relaxed departure time, because you don't have to worry about missing the transportation that has been ordered.

There are 16.9 million motorbike travelers

The survey results from the Transportation Research and Development Agency in March 2022 showed that there were 16.9 million people intending to go home by motorbike. This indicates the importance of mitigating the increase in the flow of going home by motorbike, given the vulnerability of going home by motorbike due to long trips.

Because motorcycles are basically not designed for long-distance routes and are only limited to two passengers and limited luggage, next is the discipline factor of motorcyclists. Two-wheeled vehicles require high concentration, fatigue or drowsiness can be fatal. The difficulty level of operating a motorcycle is higher than that of a car.

The tragedy of motor vehicle accidents will continue to increase in 2021, reaching 102,654 cases or an increase from 2020 which was recorded at 100,028 cases. As many as 73 percent of the total number involved motorcycles.

According to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), motorbikes are not allowed to travel more than 3 hours.

Eid 2022 is estimated to have 16.9 million homecomers using motorbikes. (AMONG)

For Eid 2022, the Ministry of Transportation has provided a free homecoming quota of 10,500 people. However, due to the large number of applicants, the quota ran out before the closing deadline. The second wave of free homecoming was also opened with a quota of 10,800 people.

The government has implemented various policies with the aim of reducing the number of homecomers using motorbikes, due to the high risk of accidents. It will not only endanger yourself but also others. This preventive measure should be accompanied by a supporting plan, namely comfort and safety for people who still decide to go home using motorbikes.

Moreover, it is estimated that this year there will be nearly 16.9 million homecoming travelers on motorbikes, while the free Lebaran transportation only has a capacity of 23 thousand people.