Jakarta, (Antara) - The transportation ministry organized the free rides program for some 38,127 motorcyclists and 2,504 vehicles this year, or an increase of 101.9 percent as compared to last year, with stage-wise departures conducted on June 19-23.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi saw some of them off at the Ancol Carnival Beach in North Jakarta, Thursday.
As many as 10,395 motorcyclists on Thursday availed the free rides organized by the Transportation Ministry that has provided 231 free buses to transport the motorcyclists and 54 vehicles to carry their motorbikes to several cities on Java Island.
The ministry has deployed some one thousand buses to transport homebound travelers to several towns in the provinces of Central and West Java.
Apart from buses, Ro-Ro ferries were also deployed by the ministry to transport the Idul Fitri holidaymakers for free.
The Transportation Ministry has organized free rides aboard buses and ferries for a total of 42,606 motorcycles and 85,651 people.
The implementation of the free ride service for motorcyclists heading to their hometowns for Idul Fitri Islamic Holiday celebration this year is better than that of last year, he pointed out.
Public enthusiasm is also high, exceeding the quota, the minister added.
"We have intensified the implementation of the free rides program this year. Nearly 300 thousand people have joined the program organized by the Transportation Ministry in collaboration with stakeholders and by state enterprises. The number is almost double than that in the previous year. We hope next year, the number would double again," the minister added.
Indonesian Muslims will celebrate the Idul Fitri Islamic Holiday on June 25.(*)
