[Kabar-indonesia] West Java roads, bridges still under repair ahead of exodus

[Joyo at aol.com]

The Jakarta Post
Monday, October 9, 2006

W. Java roads, bridges still under repair ahead of exodus 

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu

Just over two weeks before the roads fill up during the Idul Fitri holidays, 
repairs to the main northern coastal route in West Java are still underway.

In the Indramayu and Cirebon regencies,The Jakarta Post observed at least 
five bridges still under repair. 

Three bridges -- Sumuradem in Sukara district, Eretan Wetan in Kandanghaur 
and Pangkalan in Losarang -- are located in Indramayu. Two others -- Tegalgubug 
in Arjawinangun district and Ciberu in Losari -- are located in Cirebon. 

Some roads, including a 13-kilometer stretch in Eretan Kulon, Indramayu, and 
4.5 kilometers of road in Tegalgubug, Cirebon, are still badly potholed. 

Cirebon Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Puji Raharjo expressed concern repair 
work on the roads and bridges were incomplete. 

"If the repair work does not finish a week before Idul Fitri, this has the 
potential to cause serious congestion on the northern coastal highway, which 
connects West and Central Java," Bambang said. 

Police would ask the agencies charge of the works to expedite the repairs, he 
said. 

Transportation Minister Hatta Radjasa said previously works on the busy 
highway would be finished a week before the Idul Fitri exodus. 

Over 5 million Jakartans are projected to leave the capital to celebrate Idul 
Fitri with family in their hometowns. 

Meanwhile, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion along the busy highway, 
the Cirebon regency administration plans to ban pedicab drivers from operating 
at busy traditional markets on the route. 

The markets, with their traders spilling onto roadsides, contribute greatly 
to highway congestion. 

Cirebon Regent Dedi Supardi said the ban would be imposed on drivers at five 
traditional markets -- Tegalgubug market in Arjawinangun district; Minggu 
market in Palimanan; Celancang market in Kapetakan; Gebang market in Gebang; and 
Losari market in Losari. 

"The ban will be effective for three days, or three days before Idul Fitri," 
Dedi said. 

Muslims worldwide will celebrate Idul Fitri from Oct. 24-25. 

The regency administration said it would compensate each pedicab driver Rp 
50,000 (US$5.43) a day for their loss of income during the ban. 

"We're currently registering pedicab drivers so they are entitled to receive 
the money," Dedi said. 

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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