TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono announced that the government will have five new functionally operational toll road sections opened for the public in the wake of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebration.

He maintains that road users will not be charged toll-road fees as to its functional status.

“There will be no tariff once it operates functionally,” said Basuki at the Senayan parliamentary complex in Jakarta, December 2.

The available toll roads consists; Manado-Bitung toll (26 km); Kayu Agung-Betung (33 km); Pekanbaru-Dumai (9.5 km); Balikpapan-Samarinda (66 km); and the Elevated Jakarta-Cikampek II toll (36.4 km).

As of the Jakarta-Cikampek elevated toll section, Minister Basuki said that it will be open to the public on December 15, with slight traffic management to avoid possible vehicle buildup. In total, the government will make 170.9 kilometers available for people to use.

Despite its functional status, the Minister assures that the series of toll-road sections’ rest areas will be equipped with basic facilities such as gas stations.

The Transportation Ministry predicts travelers in this year’s Christmas and New Year’s holiday will peak 2-3 days prior to the national holiday.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA