12% Decrease in Accidents During 2025 Eid Return Trip: Health Awareness

TheIndonesia.co - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that the number of accidents decreased by 12% during the 2025 Eid homecoming period, thanks to increased public awareness about the importance of rest and regular health checks.

According to Antara News Agency, the biggest health issue during mudik (Eid return trips) is accidents, mostly caused by fatigue. Minister Budi emphasized the importance of taking a 30-minute break every 4-5 hours of driving and getting regular health checkups.

"Resting and monitoring your health regularly are key to ensuring a safe journey," he said in a press release from the Ministry of Health's Public Communications and Information Bureau on Monday.

According to the Minister, rest areas are crucial in ensuring the health of travellers, especially drivers.

"We want the public to return in good health, and providing these rest areas helps make that possible," he added.

The number of accidents during the 2025 Eid return trip dropped by 12%, from 1,723 cases in the previous period to 1,581 cases. The National Police’s Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) Chief, Irjen Polisi Aan Suhanan, reported the decrease in accident rates.

In collaboration with the National Police, the Ministry of Health provided 2,702 health service posts along main routes, alternative routes, and rest areas to ensure easy access to medical services for travellers.

As of April 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM, a total of 10,164 medical treatments were provided at these health posts, with the top three health complaints being hypertension, headaches, and the flu.

Additionally, 3,169 drivers in 18 provinces underwent health screenings. Of those, about 5% were deemed unfit to drive due to high blood pressure (above 170/110 mmHg), high blood sugar levels (above 300 mg/dL), or positive alcohol or drug test results.

To ensure proactive services, Minister Budi visited one of the health service posts at the Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Semarang, Central Java. The post has been operating since March 25 and will remain active until April 8, 2025. The service operates in eight-hour shifts with professional healthcare personnel and adequate medical facilities.

"This is part of the Ministry of Health's commitment to providing comprehensive protection for the public during the Eid mudik period," Minister Budi concluded.