Private vehicles are still the choice mode of transportation for motorists during \'mudik\' (exodus). In order to avoid congestion, traffic management in peak areas is important.
By
·4 minutes read
KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO
Traffic flows smoothly at the Cikarang Utama tollgate on Monday (4/6/2018) in Bekasi regency, West Java. The revenues from the Jakarta-Surabaya toll road fares during the 2018 Lebaran exodus season is projected to reach Rp 481,000.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Private vehicles are still the choice mode of transportation for motorists during mudik (exodus). In order to avoid congestion, traffic management in peak areas is important. On the other hand, motorists using private vehicles need to maintain order along homeward-bound lanes so as not to cause congestion.
This issue was raised in the discussion "Preparation for Lebaran Transportation Management 2018" held by Kompas and state insurance company PT Jasa Raharja (Persero) in Jakarta on Monday (4/6/2018).
Speakers in the discussion were: Transportation Ministry Land Transportation Director General Budi Setiyadi, National Police traffic corps security and safety director Brig. Gen. Chrysnanda Dwilaksana, Public Works and Housing Ministry Bina Marga Road Maintenance Director General Arie Setiadi Murwanto, Persero president director Budi Rahardjo Slamet, as well as Transportation Ministry research and development head Sugihardjo.
Based on the Transportation Ministry Research Agency\'s online survey of 4,075 respondents this year, 53 percent of the respondents chose to use private vehicles, while the rest chose public transportation and free homeward-bound trips. Forty-seven percent use private cars, 4 percent use motorcycles and 2 percent use rental cars.
From public transportation users, 18 percent choose airplanes, 16 percent trains, 9 percent buses, and 1 percent each use ships, travel cars, free traveling entourage and others. "Private vehicles are chosen because they are considered convenient, fast and flexible," said Sugihardjo.
Budi Setiyadi said private vehicle users needed special attention. Referring to the results of the Kompas research and development division poll of 818 respondents from Feb. 24 to March 6, half of the respondents said the problem was with order on homeward-bound travel.
"Violations of the existing regulations, such as driving against the flow of traffic and using the correct lane, often occurred, thereby stopping the flow of traffic. Besides congestion, such disorder can cause traffic accidents," he said.
Chrysnanda underlined the importance of speed limits to avoid traffic jams. Therefore, private motorists must obey the speed limit signs on temporary toll roads, ordinary toll roads and highways.
Driving habits outside of town should also be different from within the city. If urban communities are usually reluctant to give space to other vehicles, it should not occur on the toll roads. "Private motorists have to give in and give space to keep the traffic flow from being hindered," he said.
Distribution of vehicles
Arie Setiadi Murwanto said even distribution of vehicles was needed so as not to build up in one lane and cause congestion. Besides the toll roads, travelers can use the northern and southern coast roads along Java island.
The head of the executive board of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI), Tulus Abadi, said safety should be prioritized during the homeward-bound commutes and its reverse flow. Therefore, the indicator of success can be judged from the safety of travelers. Traffic signs also need to be prepared, especially on alternative routes.
Budi Rahardjo Slamet said his office had formed homeward-bound posts as rest areas for motorcyclists. The posts are placed at 12 to 15 locations from Bandar Lampung to the border areas of Central Java. "We urge motorcyclists to take advantage of the posts for a break. Travelers should be aware, they must take a rest every two to three hours to stay fresh on the journey," he said.
Transportation observer from the University of Indonesia, Ellen Tangkudung, asked the police to take stern action against private motorists who violate traffic rules during mudik and its reverse flow in 2018. "The behavior of reckless drivers has the potential to disrupt the smoothness and safety of travelers," he said.
Chairman of the Presidium of the Central Board of the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) Muslich Zainal Asikin said the government needed to facilitate access to travelers who want to utilize public transportation.
/https%3A%2F%2Fkompas.id%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F06%2F20180604ags45.jpg){kind=logo}
