Indonesia experiences an unprecedented outflow of tourists, with over 190 million returning home for Eid.
Indonesia experiences an unprecedented outflow of tourists, with over 190 million returning home for Eid.
Source arabnews.com
Jakarta: Although the Eid Al-Fitr exodus is a yearly occurrence for Indonesians, the number of commuters surpassing previous records this year, according to police on Saturday. An estimated 193 million individuals are departing from urban areas throughout the country to partake in the Islamic holiday with their families.
Mass homecomings, known locally as "mudik," are among the largest human migrations in the world. Travelers endure colossal traffic jams, thousands of kilometers, and exhaustion in order to return home for the holiday that signifies the conclusion of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in this 270 million-person Muslim majority nation.
Nearly 40 million more individuals participated in the annual exodus in 2023 compared to 2022, when the number exceeded 123 million. The numbers are significantly higher this year, according to estimates from the transportation ministry.
"An estimated 193.6 million Indonesians, or 71.7% of the population, are planning to observe Eid Al-Fitr by returning to their hometowns for mudik," a spokesman for the National Police, Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, told Arab News.
"Undoubtedly, it is the highest in comparison to prior years."
As the weekend commenced, Jakarta, a city notorious for its traffic congestion, was deserted, with businesses closed and affluent families relying on domestic assistance checking into hotels in the capital since their maids and chauffeurs are absent.
In order to ensure the safety of the populace while they commute to their villages via automobiles, motorcycles, railroads, and buses, in excess of 155,000 security personnel have been mobilized.
Weekend travel was anticipated to be the busiest time of day.
Andiko stated, "155,165 joint personnel from the Indonesian National Police, ministries, and relevant institutions, in addition to other stakeholders, were deployed."
"We have provided travelers with a variety of alternatives, one of which is a government program that offers discounts to those who depart on April 3, 4, and 5 — an opportunity for them to arrive early and thereby prevent traffic congestion on the days with the highest volume of visitors."
Additionally, military helicopters have been prepared to assist in the evacuation of injured parties in the event of traffic collisions.
"In the event of urgent situations that necessitate prompt action, the head of the National Police has directed the readiness of two helicopter units for evacuation along the Trans-Java route," Andiko said, referring to the 1,167-kilometer expressway network that traverses Java, the most populous island in Indonesia.
Hundreds of individuals perish annually en route during the Eid exodus. Last year, there were approximately 6,000 incidents documented, resulting in the loss of life of no less than 726 individuals.
Security measures along the major roadways of Indonesia will remain heightened until the conclusion of the extended holiday on April 16.
Source arabnews.com
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