PBNU dispatches 1500 travellers who will mudik

 Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) through the Nahdlatul Ulama Mosque Management (LTMNU) in collaboration with Bank Mandiri dispatched 29 buses for travellers (pemudik) for free. The amount is at least able to accommodate some 1,500 passengers. The dispatch was carried out at the PBNU headquarters, Jl Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, Sunday (12/8) afternoon.<>

The travellers were officially dispatched by General Chairman of PBNU KH Said Aqil Siroj. Present at the occasion were Secretary General of PBNU Marsyudi Syuhud, Chairman of LTMNU KH Abdul Manan A. Ghani, and Director of Bank Mandiri Pahala N Mansury.

The majority of participants of "MUDIK Bareng NU 1433 H" were from Jakarta and such surrounding cities as Bogor, Bekasi, Depok, and Tangerang. The travellers would return to their hometown in various districts in West Java, Central Java and East Java, including Madura.

Kiai Said in front of the participants expressed his pride for being able to help people return to their hometown. He called on the travellers to further cultivate relationship with family at home.

Meanwhile, Manan said the program was aimed at making NU mosques beneficial for the people. LTMNU, he added, had prepared some 99 mosque-based emergency posts stretching from Merak Port, Banten, to Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi.

At the same time, Bank Mandiri also espressed its pride for being capable of collaborating with NU to relieve the travellers' burden. It hoped that this cooperation would be beneficial for Bank Mandiri itself, PBNU, and society in general.

The ‘Mudik’ (homecoming) activities or celebrating Eid in the hometown has begun to show its ‘presence’ entering 7 days prior to Eid, Sunday (12/8). Thousands of travelers arrived at bus terminals or stations in Jakarta, although the peak flows are expected on three days prior to Eid.

They were seen to throng Kampung Rambutan Terminal, Pulogadung and all its facilities. Residents of the capital also came to Gambir, Tanah Abang and Pasar Senen Stations with their baggage.

Government has been swift in its response. Last weekend National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo held an assembly on the Centralized Police Forces Operation or ‘Ketupat 2012′ at Monas Square, Central Jakarta, in anticipation of the situation and circumstances before and after Eid.

On Sunday (12/8), Transport Minister EE Mangindaan inaugurated an assembly on Eid festivites transport fleet at Pasar Senen Station. He estimates there is approximately a 16% increase in train passengers in Greater Jakarta. PT KAI has prepared 49 regular trains, 11 Eid trains and launched 3 trains of AC economy class for August 14.

However, PT KAI Public Relations of Regional Operations I, Mateta Rizalulhaq states that the number of passengers in 2012 is expected to fall 19% due to restrictions in number of passengers that must be in accordance with the number of seats available.

Whatever is said, what is clear is that crowds and increase in number of passengers is beginning to be seen at Senen.

The only difference with last year is that it is now more orderly. People can enter the departure platform provided they have tickets with names similar to that in the identity card.

Mateta Rijalulhaq said Senen station has started using a system that matches the identity of the passenger ticket with an identity card or boarding pass.

PT KAI has also alerted 750security personnel, comprising of the Mobile Brigade, Jakarta Garrison, Special Train Police and others spread in stations around Jakarta.


Writer : Mahbib Khoiron
Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq