JAKARTA— The traffic of Lebaran 2017 is expected to reach its hectic peak on 23 and 24 June 2017. The government estimates that Lebaran 2017 is very likely to take place on 25-26 June 2017. To prevent the severe congestion such as that in 2016, Indonesian police suggests that travelers of Lebaran homecoming with private cars to avoid travel on June 23-24, 2017.
Head of the Police Traffic Police Corps General Royke Lumowa says the chance of congestion may occur on the land route of Java Island. It is mainly in the northern coastline of Central Java Province. One of the most vulnerable points is Pemalang, which is sitting on the end of the toll road connecting the area with Jakarta from which neverending floods of cars roam aout of the capital. “If travelers do not force themselves to make journey home on June 23-24, 2017, the possibility of severe traffic jam can be overcome,” said Mr Royke.
The police functions as the coordinator in this Lebaran 2017 homecoming, with supports from the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing. “We set up new road signs, ensure road comfort and safety, including closing holes on the roads,” Mr Royke said.
The police is also in charge of ensuring a security during the homecoming and return trip of Lebaran 2017. The operation for Lebaran security will last for 16 days from 21 June to 6 July 2017. It finds supports from the National Armed Forces, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of PUPR, and others to organise a centralised police operation. They name it “Ramadniya 2017 Operation”.
“The Central Java Regional Police will get an additional number of personnel from other units. And during the operation we will prioritise the traffics along the northern coast of Java,” said the assistant chief of operation, Irjen Unggung Cahyono.
Especially at Kilometer 71 at Cikopo Toll Road, the security squad are led by officers of the rank of the Great Commissioner. He will act to determin traffic management. “He is authorised to divert or close the flow of vehicles to alternative roads in case of traffic jams in the toll lanes,” said Mr Unggung. (*)
