Solo jammed again? Monitoring the Current Traffic Flow in the Midst of Ramadan Euphoria
Source: LPM Campus
LPM CAMPUS, SOLO – Amidst the euphoria of Ramadan, Solo is once again facing the unavoidable challenge of traffic jams. Ramadan is not only a blessed month for Muslims, but it also increases social activity in Solo. Various factors contribute to this problem, including flooding, Ramadan night markets, traffic congestion, as well as increased homecoming flows ahead of Eid al-Fitr, adding to the congestion. Previously, afternoon traffic jams in Solo occurred between 5pm and 6pm. Now, however, the pattern has shifted, with traffic congestion starting earlier, between 4pm and 7pm.
The city of Solo, known for its various activities, is inseparable from the increasingly complex dynamics of traffic flow, especially during Ramadan. The euphoria of welcoming the holy month has a significant impact on community mobility. Many citizens travel to worship and break their fast with family or friends, affecting the road conditions in Bengawan City. Although traffic congestion is an issue, it cannot be denied that Ramadan brings its own spirit to the people of Solo.
From the available observations, road conditions in some locations are observed to be crowded. However, at some other points there is also congestion. For example, the area around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most crowded places for people to travel and worship during Ramadan. This shows that despite the congestion, people are still enthusiastic to worship and gather with their families. Slamet Riyadi, the main road that divides Solo, also often experiences high traffic density, especially in the afternoon before iftar.
Source: LPM Campus
Nurul, one of the tourists from Kediri who participated in the Sheikh Zayed mosque, also said that Solo was quite crowded and would likely be more crowded before Eid.
“I’ve been at the Sheikh Zayed mosque since 8 o’clock, the place is cool but because it also happens to be the fasting month so the road is really jammed. Especially before breaking the fast. If I come here, I want to take a walk while accompanying a friend too.” Nurul said.
To solve this congestion problem, the Solo Police Traffic Unit has increased driving safety patrols during Ramadan. Patrols are carried out at night until early morning to ensure the safety of road users and prevent traffic accidents. Kapolresta Solo, Kombes Pol Catur Cahyono Wibowo, stated that iftar and sahur activities can increase the volume of traffic flow.
In addition, the government is also conducting traffic engineering and mapping congestion-prone points in Solo. Several alternative routes are prepared to reduce congestion on the main route. The operation of functional toll roads such as the Solo-Yogyakarta Toll Road is also expected to help unravel congestion during the upcoming Lebaran homecoming flow.
With various efforts made by the authorities and people who are increasingly aware of the importance of traffic discipline, it is hoped that traffic conditions in Solo during Ramadan can be maintained properly. The public is encouraged to remain patient and obey traffic rules for smooth travel during this holy month.
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Writer: Naufal Ahmad Alfian
Editor: Bela Diana Puspitasari
