Merak, Banten (Antara)- Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan has called on inbound travelers returning from Sumatra to Java Island after celebrating post-fasting Lebaran or Eid El Fitr Islamic Holiday, to prioritize safety.
"We urge travelers to prioritize safety during the journey, and until they reach their destinations," the minister said when monitoring the flow of inbound travelers in Merak Seaport, Banten, on Sunday.
The minister told travelers not to drive at speed.
The flow of tens of thousands of inbound travelers and their vehicles has increased from Bakauheni Harbor in Lampung Province, to Merak.
Crossing from Bakauheni to Merak by ferry takes about two to four hours.
"We ask field officers to continue to work hard to ensure smooth inbound flow and to prevent traffic jams," the minister said.
Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, celebrated Lebaran on July 6.
Of the country's over 250 million population, more than 85 percent are Muslims.
Many Muslims usually spend the Islamic holidays with relatives in their hometowns, triggering a massive exodus from the cities.
This year, the number of homebound travelers for Lebaran was estimated to reach 17,698,484, up from 17,404,575 in 2015.
President Joko Widodo instructed concerned ministries and institutions to make better preparations for a smooth and safe exodus, which is locally known as "mudik."
"In accordance with the president's directives, focus has been laid on two areas. The first priority is eliminating gridlocks during homecoming and return trips. This is a tough job," Minister Jonan stated while leading a roll call ahead of the Lebaran operations at his office recently.
From 2011 to 2015, a total of 3,631 were killed, 6,759 seriously injured and 20,569 others slightly wounded in traffic accidents during the Lebaran exodus.(*)
