TANAH LONGSOR - JAKARTA. Authorities have reopened with some limitations the Puncak pass near Bogor, West Java, which had been closed since early February following devastating landslides.
The route, which connects Bogor with Bandung, was reopened on Monday, but officials said it could be closed again if any concerns emerged during an assessment over the next few days.
Bogor Police traffic head Adj. Sr. Comr. Hasby Ristama said only two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles were allowed to pass all the way from Bogor to the Puncak resort area during the assessment.
"A special team will observe the trials. Endurance tests will be conducted at certain points, like the Pinus junction and Puncak pass," Hasby said, adding that the road could be closed again should any incidents occur.
For now, buses and other big vehicles cannot use the segment from Gunung Mas to Ciloto in Cianjur. They are only allowed to go as far as Cisarua.
Heavy vehicles, therefore, will be directed to the Ciawi-Sukabumi-Cianjur route or the Cibubur-Cileungsi-Jonggol-Cariu-Cianjur route.
Landslides in the hilly area of Puncak claimed five lives in the first week of February.
