Hot Weather and Trucks Are Obstacles

KOMPAS/WISNU WIDIANTORO

Officers of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) monitor climate change at the BMKG building, Jakarta, Tuesday (6/5/2018). Lebaran exodus travelers are requested to be alert of temperature changes on their travels.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The government has predicted that 8.5 million Indonesians will join in the annual Idul Fitri exodus on motorbikes this year – a 33.3 percent increase from the figure last year. They will face relatively hot weather and trucks that will remain in operation until June 12. The government should ensure these motorists’ safety and comfort.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the majority of Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan will experience high temperature swings between daytime and nighttime from June 5 to 13. Java’s northern coastal region will be hit with temperatures of 30 to 36 degrees Celsius. The Semarang-Surabaya route is expected to endure the highest temperatures.

“The region is in a red zone, or extremely hot, with temperatures possibly reaching 36 degrees Celsius. This is because we are going into the dry season,” BMKG weather early warning prediction head Ramlan said on Wednesday (6/6/2018).

Despite the extreme heat, Ramlan said, light showers remained a possibility in certain regions. Similarly, Sumatra and Kalimantan will be hit with temperatures of 32 to 34 degrees Celsius. Night-time temperature in Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan will be around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Truck ban

Apart from the heat, holidaymakers on motorbikes will also have to share the road with cargo trucks, especially on Java’s pantura (northern coastal highway). This is because the ban on trucks will only be effective on June 12.

During the predicted peak of the homebound journey on June 9 and 10, the government has urged cargo trucks drivers not to pass through toll roads. Consequently, trucks will have to take the pantura route.

This is despite the many potential traffic jam spots on the pantura route in West Java and Central Java, even in normal traffic conditions. In an observation last week, Kompas found that roads on the pantura route in Jakarta and West Java are generally in good condition. The roads are sealed and covered with concrete, making it easy to drive on them.

On the Jakarta-Bekasi route, Jl. Raya Kalimalang is a little less comfortable because of the ongoing construction of the Bekasi-Cawang-Kampung Melayu (Becakayu) toll road. Conditions are similar in Cibitung because of the Cibitung-Cilincing toll road construction.

Traffic snarls may potentially occur in front of the Sentra Grosir Cikarang wholesale market and the Cikarang market, which are crowded on most days. Meanwhile, roads between Karawang and Cikampek are in good condition and traffic is relatively light.

The Transportation Ministry’s land transportation directorate general spokesperson Pitra Setiawan said cargo trucks would affect holidaymakers on motorbikes sharing the same roads. If traffic jams occur, the police are authorized to divert traffic as needed. “In peak traffic hours, truck drivers will be told to exit the pantura and wait in parking areas. Alternatively, the trucks can pull over for a while,” he said.

Police suggestion

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said motorbikes are the most accident-prone vehicles during the Idul Fitri exodus. Holidaymakers wishing to take their motorbikes to their hometowns can use the government’s transportation services such as ships, trains and trucks. “During last year’s [Idul Fitri exodus period], we had a high rate of traffic accidents involving motorbikes. Therefore, we urge people to use the free transportation services provided by state-owned enterprises and private companies,” Tito said.

Data from the National Police’s traffic division showed that 742 people died in 3,168 traffic accidents in last year’s Idul Fitri exodus. More than 70 percent of the victims were using motorbikes.

The government is also providing free passenger and motorbike transportation services. This year, the government has prepared 87,250 free seats, up from 46,885 free seats last year. The government is also prepared to transport 39,446 motorbikes this year, up from 19,148 last year. These figures exclude the free exodus services provided by private companies.

At Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok Port, for instance, the port’s management have prepared 16 ships for the exodus period, comprising passenger ships, cattle vessels and roll on-roll off (ro-ro) boats. The port’s management is also prepared to transport 7,600 motorbikes. As of Tuesday, 5,639 motorbikes had been registered.

Jakarta’s Senen train station also sees a surge of people transporting their motorbikes on trains. A number of transport companies provide discounts to attract customers.

PT Herona Express, for example, provided a 15 percent discount for the home delivery of motorbikes and a 20 percent discount for delivery to destination stations. “Throughout the Idul Fitri exodus period, we receive on average 50 delivery orders per day. On regular days, we receive 20 orders per day,” PT Herona Express employee Sunandar said.

Apart from free transportation services, the government also provides rest areas for holidaymakers on motorbikes taking Java’s pantura and southern coastal routes, including by using weighbridges.

(E19/SYA/E22/DIT/JUM)