Idul Fitri 2017 has just passed. Even though there are traffic jams in a number of places, the Lebaran homecoming traffic this year is relatively well managed and under control.
The presence of the state in organizing the homecoming is a real-world example of how the authorities can work to serve the people. Ensuring the mobility of more than 20 million travelers for the Idul Fitri festivities is a major operation.
The construction of new toll roads, which have either entered regular operation or are at least in a usable preliminary state, has helped break down traffic jams. Key improvements in traffic management can be seen in the planning and preparation of measures as well as in their execution in the field. The presence of leaders of the Indonesian National Police and the Transportation Ministry on the ground has contributed to alleviating congestion.
We are grateful to the police officers, the Transportation Ministry officials, the Indonesian Red Cross workers and volunteers, who are willing to forgo Lebaran festivities for the sake of serving others. This year, there were no dramatic stories like those of 2016, such as the gridlock at the Brebes exit known as "Brexit", which resulted in casualties.
The presence of the state is needed to maintain the flow of Lebaran traffic as people return to their places of residence. Some roads will be packed when large trucks resume operations on Friday, June 30, 2017. The trucks will intensify traffic headed for Jakarta and the surrounding areas. Therefore, sound management of the Lebaran influx should still be a government priority.
We have identified a number of rest areas that will become points of congestion, as will toll road payment gates. Congestion is predicted to occur at the Km 62 rest area as the first meeting point between the Cipali and Cipularang toll roads. This should be anticipated.
People may want to consider returning to work after the holiday period is over. Monday, July 3, 2017 is the first day of work. Good timing of the outbound and inbound road trip for the holidays can go a long way to ensuring smooth journeys. An appeal by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi to travelers to return before June 29, 2017, should be considered. However, it depends entirely on the needs of the people. What is certain is that on June 30, 2017, trucks will begin to operate again and will cause hustle and bustle on the roads to the capital and in the surrounding areas.
We hope the state will maintain its presence to meet the needs of society, not only during Lebaran, but also thereafter. Once Lebaran passes, the government\'s heavy duty is to get the sluggish economy moving again.