Jakarta. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi revealed that traffic accidents witnessed a double-digit decline this holiday season, particularly on Dec. 18-25.

“Accidents had gone down by 39 percent compared to [the same period] last year,” Budiwas quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Budi warned tourist buses are what usually cause an increase in traffic accidents. Bus accidents tend to claim more lives as there are more passengers on board. Many buses have inexperienced drivers taking turns, resulting in a higher risk of traffic accidents.

There are buses who do not meet safety standards. Another risk factor is when these buses travel on risky routes such as highlands.

“Tourist buses are relatively poorly controlled,” Budi said.

Jakarta Globe’s sister publication Beritasatu reported that an Elf minibus carrying teachers from Bekasi caught on fire at the Cipularang toll road on Tuesday morning. The minibus was en route to Ciamis. All 15 teachers, including 2 children, are safe.

The suspected cause of the fire is problems with the engine.

State-owned toll operator Jasa Marga reported that 10,433 vehicles left Jakarta via the Cikarang Utama toll gate as of Tuesday 10.09 a.m.

The return flow to Jakarta did not appear as crowded. Jasa Marga only recorded 5,540 vehicles that went to Jakarta as of 10.09 a.m, according to Beritasatu.

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