In the long weekend that just passed, Puncak, the popular mountainous destination in West Java, saw massive traffic congestion that reportedly lasted up to dozens of hours. With another public holiday coming in the form of Nyepi (Day of Silence) tomorrow, local traffic authorities said that they will enforce tightened rules for incoming holiday makers.
Ketut Lasswarjana, who heads Bogor Traffic Police’s operations development affairs, said yesterday that they will enforce a number of rules to avoid another traffic catastrophe in the area.
“We from the Traffic Unit will still anticipate [the influx of travelers]. First, we will enforce the odd-even rule. Second, we will check on tourism objects, restaurants in the Bogor regency and ensure that the capacities are in accordance with the Level 3 of the 4-tiered Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities (PPKM),” Ketut said.
A one-way system will also be implemented to reduce congestion for both directions. Ketut also appealed to the public to drive in orderly fashion and to keep obeying COVID-19 health protocols.
A public holiday for the Ascension of Prophet Muhammad took place on Monday, with the massive congestion last Sunday reportedly caused by cars breaking down and the large number of travelers on motorcycles.
A viral TikTok claimed that it took at least 17 hours for them to go from the area to Jakarta (ordinarily a one-hour drive), with the caption suggesting that they ended up going crazy because of the traffic jam, instead of getting the “healing” holiday they expected.
@carmelia_basalamah 17 jam Bogor Jakarta #hillingbikinsinting ♬ Pengen Liburan – Bos Q
Previously, Bogor Police Chief Iman Imanuddin said they will receive additional force and assistance from the West Java Police to handle the surge in vehicles in the Puncak area during the holidays.
Meanwhile, Bogor Police’s Traffic Unit Chief Dicky Anggi Pranata advised the public not to leave their homes if they don’t have any urgent matters to avoid another traffic congestion in Puncak.
