VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has put forth an appeal to 2019 Lebaran travelers to always lay emphasis on safety during the journey to their hometowns.

"The issue now does not pertain to traffic jams but safety," he remarked at the Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta, Thursday.

Sumadi elaborated that the Ministry of Transportation had conducted research focusing on preparation of infrastructure and congestion points along Merak to Probolinggo three months back to sufficiently tackle the current congestion problem and ensure safety as the next key focus.

"The preparation was since three months back to solve the problem of traffic jams. It is just how the riders travel safely," he stated.

The transportation minister appealed to toll road vehicular users to not cross the speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour.

"All should remain alert and be careful on the toll road," he noted.

Furthermore, he reminded other travelers to not use motorbikes for their Lebaran homecoming journey, as other safer transportation modes were available.

"Motorbike users must be careful. In fact, we do not encourage them to ride motorbikes while going home due to the risk involved," he emphasized.

Sumadi further advised the police and Transportation Agency to collaborate in conducting checks and brake tests for bus transportation.

"Brakes must always be checked, as otherwise, it will endanger the lives of passengers," he remarked.

Minister of Transportation Sumadi arrived at the Pasar Senen Station at 12:15 a.m. local time along with the group for an impromptu inspection at Pasar Senen Terminal. (ant)