Jakarta – The National Police's traffic unit said in its most recent update on Thursday (07/07), that at least 244 people have died in traffic accidents during this year's Idul Fitri holiday exodus.

According to a statement, the fatalities were recorded during the exodus between June 18 and July 6. However, the figure is nearly 26 percent lower than last year, when 328 people died on Indonesia's roads during the holiday exodus.

A significant decrease was also recorded in the number of accidents this year, totaling 1,289, which is 21 percent lower than last year.

An estimated 1.6 million cars have left the capital since last week, as approximately 17 million people traveled to their respective hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri.

The sheer number of cars on the road has caused massive traffic congestion at the Brebes toll gate in Central Java – now popularly known as "Brexit" – where the toll road from Jakarta currently ends.

As most offices will start normal operations on Monday net week, holiday travelers are expected to start returning to the capital between Friday and Sunday.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/police-record-244-traffic-fatalities-holiday-exodus/