VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Transportation Minister Budi Karya has said that the Eid al-Fitr exodus this year must run smoothly and remain safe.

"In accordance with the directives of President Joko Widodo, this year's Eid al-Fitr exodus must be carried out smoothly and safely. There should be no problems encountered by travelers. Moreover, our exodus theme is 'Eid al-Fitr exodus together, fun and smooth'," Budi Karya said in Bandarlampung on Thursday.

The minister attended a coordinating meeting on the 2019 Eid al-Fitr travel period in Lampung on Thursday to discuss preparations for assisting homebound travelers at Bakauheni Seaport, toll roads, trains and airports in Lampung.

The ministry offers free travel in Merak and Bakauheni seaports by ferry and naval ship to assist travelers crossing the sea between Java Island and Sumatra Island from Merak Seaport in Banten Province (Java) and Bakauheni Seaport in Lampung Province, Sumatra Island.

During the meeting, Governor of Lampung M Ridho Ficardo expressed his gratitude to the Transportation Minister for attending the meeting.

"I am very grateful that this year travelers can use the Bakauheni-Terbanggi Besar toll road, up to the Simpang Pematang toll road," he said.

Indonesian Muslims, constituting over 85 percent of the country's 260 million population, will celebrate Eid al-Fitr Islamic Holiday on June 5-6, 2019, following the Ramadan fasting month.

Most Indonesian Muslims follow the tradition of celebrating Eid al-Fitr Holiday in their hometowns with their families.

As a result, there is an exodus of travelers, particularly from cities to villages, during this time of year. (ANTARA)