Director General (Dirjen) of Bina Marga Arie Setiadi Moerwanto releases the Radio of the Republic of Indonesia (RRI) team which will begin to review the readiness of road and bridge infrastructure to face the Lebaran mudik flows in 2018. The RRI team which is divided into two groups will each carry out checks on the track north and south of Java. The team was released at the RRI Office, Jakarta on Monday (23/4), which was also attended by representatives of the Indonesian National Police and the Ministry of Transportation.

In a conversation that was broadcast live before the release of the team, Arie said that this year the Trans Java toll road would be functional to Surabaya, East Java. This condition has increased compared to last year's Eid homecoming, where functional tolls that can be utilized by new travelers to Grinsing, Central Java.

"We are preparing the functional toll for use only during the day, but all decisions in the field are made by the Police, we follow and submit to including if indeed it turns out that the functional toll with all the considerations in the field needs to be opened also at night," he explained.

In addition, he added, although the toll road's functional status will be equipped with a temporary resting place which is also equipped with mobile toilets, worship rooms and even local traders.

"Last year we received criticism, many salted egg traders, batik and others whose sales were unsold, because many travelers used functional toll roads, while local traders were not given a place. "This year we are working with local governments to try to facilitate it," Arie said.

On the same occasion, the Director General of Highways explained that outside the toll road, his office was also preparing non-toll national roads throughout Indonesia. Directorate General (DG) Bina Marga targets no holes in the national road when going home later. Attention is paid to the favorite routes of travelers in the north coast and the Java south lane and eastbound Sumatra.

Specifically for the reverse flow, Arie advised travelers who brought their own motorized vehicles to pass through the South Coast of Java. He considered that despite the good road conditions and beautiful natural scenery, but the path was not too popular in the eyes of travelers. He admitted that the Pansela road had more chance and longer distance, but had its own advantages when passing.

"If you go back, don't you think it is more relaxed? The southern route is also good, there are lots of beautiful beaches, so you can all tour," he said.

The Directorate General of Highways again alerted the Sapta Taruna Command Post on the Eid homecoming this time. The post is in addition to having an officer on duty equipped with materials and heavy equipment to anticipate certain conditions in the field. Travelers can contact the Command Post at number 0812-8383-5757. (Kompu BM)