30 Million People Expected to Travel During Idul-Fitri

Sampit, C Kalimantan (Antara) - Around 30 million people are expected to return to their hometowns to celebrate Idul-Fitri holidays (mudik) at the end of Ramadan, a deputy minister said. "Of the total, around three to four million will travel through sea transportation," Transportation Deputy Minister Bambang Susantono said here on Thursday. He said that the number of holidaymakers this year will rise from that in the previous year, but the increase will not be significant. He said that around 160 thousand travelers to Java Island will arrive from Kalimantan. The government will deploy at least 1,200 ships to cater to mudik travelers who will arrive at their hometowns through sea. He pointed out that the capacity of the ships was already adequate, but on certain days during the peak season the capacity could become inadequate. "We have also checked the preparedness of seaports, which will be used by the mudik travelers," he said. Bambang added that all seaports that will be used by travelers had begun preparing themselves. The government has assured that fares will not be increased but will be the same as that in the previous year. This will be valid across the country. (*)