BANDUNG – The government together with the police have prepared various strategic steps to minimize congestion on tourist routes during the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year (Nataru) holidays.
One of the main steps implemented in the Puncak area, Bogor, West Java, is through Operation Lilin Lodaya 2024.
“Starting from December 21, 2024 to January 2, 2025 during the implementation of Ops Lilin Lodaya 2024, the odd-even system will be implemented,” said Head of Public Relations of the West Java Regional Police, Kombes Jules Abraham Abast.
In addition to odd-even, Jules said the one-way system will be implemented situationally to reduce vehicle congestion.
“One way is enforced both towards Puncak and from Puncak downwards or towards Jakarta,” he explained. Jules also appealed to the public to obey traffic signs and always be careful when driving.
As part of traffic engineering, the West Java Regional Police will also implement a car-free night on New Year’s Eve.
“Car free night will be implemented from 18.00 WIB on December 31, 2024 to 01.00 WIB, January 1, 2025, at 10 intersections from Simpang Gadog to Cianjur Regency,” added Jules.
West Java Police Traffic Director, Senior Commissioner Ruminio Ardano, stated that vehicles stuck in traffic jams will be directed to alternative routes, including the new toll road connecting Cibitung and Jonggol. “Small vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles can also use the district route around Simpang Gadog,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Bali, the Ngurah Rai Airport Police Traffic Unit is also adjusting traffic flow.
“We will close the road median situationally to prevent the buildup of vehicles heading to the airport area,” explained Head of Traffic Police of Ngurah Rai Airport Police, Iptu I Made Sudarwa.
Road median closures will be implemented in a number of locations, including the airport’s VIP II eastern median, the Auri median, and the loading dock intersection.
“If the traffic flow is heavy, vehicles turning in the median can cause congestion to the main lane,” added Sudarwa.
The police have also prepared signs and alternative routes for road users in the airport area. “We urge road users to follow the alternative route signs that have been prepared by field officers,” he said.
With these steps, the government is optimistic that congestion on tourist routes and strategic areas during the Christmas and New Year holidays can be minimized, so that people can enjoy their journey more smoothly and comfortably.