The main road to Puncak, Bogor, West Java, will be closed for 12 hours, starting from Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 6 a.m.
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Kompas/Rony Ariyanto Nugroho
Some vehicles from Jakarta momentarily stop after exiting the Ciawi toll gate in Bogor, West Java, when the one-way traffic system was implemented on the road from Puncak to Jakarta on Friday (29/12). The amount of traffic to Puncak from Jakarta has started to increase before its total closure on Sunday.
BOGOR, KOMPAS — The main road to Puncak, Bogor, West Java, will be closed for 12 hours, starting from Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 6 a.m. Traffic arrangements and detours will be prepared to prevent congestion in Puncak on New Year’s Eve.
Bogor Police traffic unit head Adj. Comr. Hasby Ristama said on Friday the main road to Puncak would be closed from the Simpang Sirait crossing or after the Ciawi tollgate at kilometer 46 through Puncak Pass, Cianjur.
“During the closing period, cars will not be allowed to enter the area. The restriction for motorbikes, however, will be conditional because it is how local residents access the area. Basically, we want the area to be clear [of vehicles],” Hasby said.
During the closure, traffic from Jakarta to Puncak or Cianjur will be directed to the detours. The first detour will be via Sukabumi, taking the routes of Ciawi-Caringin-Cijeruk-Cicurug-Cibadak-Sukabumi-Cianjur. The second detour will be via Cibubur, taking the routes of Cibubur-Cileungsi-Jonggol-Cariu-Cikalong-Cianjur.
Hasby said the detour via Jonggol is in good condition. Cipamingkis Bridge in Jonggol, Bogor regency, which collapsed in June, is accessible. “We call on Jakarta residents who plan to stay the night at Puncak on New Year’s Eve to leave home in the morning. Police will apply a one-way traffic system from 7:30 to 11a.m.,” Hasby said.
During the closure period, or car-free night, people must head to their destination before the closure begins.
Meanwhile, travelers from Cianjur heading to Puncak or Jakarta can drive through Puncak from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where there will also be a one-way traffic system. “We hope the people who want to celebrate the New Year in Puncak come earlier, before the main road is closed at 6 p.m.,” he said.
Based on Kompas\' observation, there was traffic on the main road to Puncak and to Jakarta around 7 p.m. on Friday. While not severe, average speeds were around 20 kilometers per hour, with speeds picking up around 8 p.m.
Buses prepared
Hasby said five shuttle buses would be prepared to help the public reach their destinations. The buses would depart from Harakatul Jannah Mosque at Simpang Gadog crossroad, Puncak. “The bus will stop at the request of the passengers,” Hasby said.
During the closure period, or car-free night, people must head to their destination before the closure begins. “In emergency situations, such as needing to transport someone who is ill, that car will be allowed to use the road,” Hasby added.
The closure of the main road is aimed to prevent people from parking on it, particularly in areas near popular places, such as Rindu Alam Restaurant and At Ta’awun Mosque. In addition to its dangerous location near a cliff, it could also trigger traffic congestion.
To anticipate the road closure, hotel operators in Puncak are offering two-night stay packages on Dec. 30 to Jan. 1.
Nurhanudin, a 57-year-old local resident, disagreed with the road closure. “I object to this policy. It\'s okay to see traffic congestion once a year. This is normal,” he said.
To anticipate the road closure, hotel operators in Puncak are offering two-night stay packages on Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, requesting that the guests arrive on Sunday before 6 p.m.
“Guests need not worry about the road closure. Hotels around Puncak are offering two-night stays,” said Delia Oktaviani, assistant communication and marketing manager at Pesona Alam Resort Hotel.
“For guests who check in on Dec. 31, we want them to come early. They must be around Taman Safari Park before 6 p.m,” said Safari Lodge Hotel supervisor Marlon Freby Kojong.
Security
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the security measure on New Year’s Eve would be similar to that on Christmas Eve. The security measures involve police officers, Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel as well as the public.
Kompas/Rony Ariyanto Nugroho
Some vehicles from Jakarta momentarily stop after exiting the Ciawi toll gate in Bogor, West Java, when the one-way traffic system was implemented on the road from Puncak to Jakarta on Friday (29/12). The amount of traffic to Puncak from Jakarta has started to increase before its total closure on Sunday.
“We have prepared security arrangements and we expect cooperation with all sides to ensure public order and security. Let us show Indonesia is a safe country,” Tito Karnavian said at National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday.
Meanwhile, TNI commander Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said the TNI would secure, control and manage the condition of the state in welcoming Christmas and New Year.
Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said there were some security focus points in Jakarta, namely Monas, the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and Ancol. Around 10,000 police officers and TNI personnel will maintain security during the New Year’s Eve celebration in Jakarta.
In Manado, North Sulawesi, the New Year’s Eve celebration will be centered on several spots, such as in Boulevard and in Tikala Square in front of the Manado mayor’s office. Manado Police and North Sulawesi Police deployed 1,000 personnel to safeguard 650 churches across Manado.
Meanwhile, the New Year’s celebration in several countries, including in the United States, will see heightened security. New York City Police will apply multiple layers of security checks. Although it did not receive any direct threats, New York authorities said security was tight this year. An estimated 2 million people will spend New Year’s Eve in New York City. Increased security measures will also be applied in London, Britain and around the River Thames.
