Operators to open 75 rest areas along trans-Java for exodus

MUDIK LEBARAN - JAKARTA. Toll road operators have prepared 75 rest areas along the trans-Java toll road for the Idul Fitri exodus which is expected to kick off Wednesday.

Millions of travelers are expected to leave for their hometowns, mostly from Jakarta to cities in West, Central and East Java as well as Sumatra to celebrate the Islamic holiday on June 5 and 6.

Public Works and Housing Ministry spokesperson Endra S. Atmawidjaja said 25 new rest areas were constructed this year, an 50-percent increase from 50 rest areas in 2018. Endra said that there were three types of rest areas -- Types A ( 32 ), Type B ( 22 ) and Type C ( 21 ).

“Type A are rest areas with the most complete facilities – toilets, parking lot, prayer spaces, gas station, restaurants, stores, garage, health clinic and spaces for relaxation,” said Endra.

Type B rest areas are equipped with toilets, parking lot, prayer spaces, stores, restaurants and green areas, while Type C areas are equipped with toilets, kiosks, prayer spaces and a makeshift parking lot. Pertamina has prepared mobile gas stations at Type B and C rest areas.

This year, toll road operators along the trans-Java expect an increase in the number of travelers. The Transportation Ministry has estimated that 14.9 million people from Greater Jakarta will drive along the trans-Java toll road on more than private vehicles.

State-owned Jasa Marga president director Desi Arryani said the company had anticipated traffic jams along the route mostly fromcars queuing to enter rest areas.