JAKARTA: Indonesia's PT ASDP ferry operator in Merak said it estimated that some 15,000 travelers will use motorbikes to cross to Sumatra from Merak aboard ferries during the Aidil Fitri exodus. “The number of motorbikers in 2011 was 13,000,” ANTARA news agency quoted General Manager of PT ASDP Merak Supriyanto as saying on Monday. According to the company, it has “set up special counters for motorbikers to prevent traffic jams.” Supriyanto, however, urged home-bound travelers not to use motorbikes if they bring along children and luggage. “We have urged home-bound travelers not to use motorbikes during Aidil Fitri exodus as it is prone to accidents, particularly when the biker is tired and road conditions are bad,” he said. The number of people traveling throughout Indonesia during the Aidil Fitri is expected to remain the same as in 2011, when around 15 million people journeyed home via air, land and sea routes. Many traveled home on buses, trains, ships, planes and motorbikes, although driving motorcycles during the holiday rush is considered risky. The police have launched a nationwide “Operation Ketupat 2012,” aimed at increasing the safety of travelers during the festive season, Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported.
