TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga plan to broaden parking space of rest areas in numerous sections along the Trans Java Toll road, after received order by the Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

The minister’s request is based on the prediction that the toll road will be packed during next year’s Eid al Fitr mass-exodus, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. There are currently 61 rest areas for every 15 kilometers across the Trans Java Toll.

Read: Jokowi: Trans Java Toll Road is Cheaper and Quicker Alternative

“We normally see that it would not pose any problems during normal days, but the rest areas would not be sufficient enough during Eid al Fitr mass-exodus. It must be dealt with by adding the length of its parking spaces,” said Minister Budi in a written statement Tempo received on Sunday, December 30.

Moreover, the minister is eyeing to make the rest areas as a means to boost local economies along the Trans Java Toll by introducing the ‘Trans Java culinary map’ which can be digitally downloaded in the ministry’s official website.

“It will open more job opportunities once the culinary aspect takes off,” said Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

The Trans Java Toll is one of Indonesia’s mega-construction infrastructure that will connect Banyuwangi - in Java Island’s eastern hemisphere - to the island's western Merak, Banten.

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