Faisal Maliki Baskoro, Jakarta – A survey conducted by the Transportation Ministry reveals that an estimated 193.6 million people, equivalent to approximately 71.7 percent of Indonesia's population, are anticipated to embark on the Eid exodus this year.

This represents a significant increase of 56.4 percent compared to the movement observed during the 2023 Eid, which was estimated at 123.8 million people.

The survey carried out in collaboration with the Transportation Policy Agency, the Central Statistics Agency, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, and transportation experts and academics, aims to provide valuable insights for coordinated efforts in handling the increased travel during the festive season.

"Considering this situation, we are taking preparatory steps, both operationally and in terms of policy with ministries and agencies at the central government, local governments, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector," said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Monday.

The survey results have been reported to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and shared with relevant stakeholders, including ministries/agencies, local governments, the National Police Traffic Corps, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector.

Minister Budi Karya Sumadi outlined the government's commitment to implementing effective policies to anticipate an influx of homecoming travelers, preventing congestion in hubs and road sections. These policies include regulating the timing of homecoming, offering early discounts on mass transportation fares, providing free homecoming services, implementing traffic engineering, toll road fare discounts, and regulating traffic, especially in areas at risk of experiencing extraordinary congestion.

The survey results indicate that the most common origin for travel is East Java at 16.2 percent (31.3 million people), followed by Greater Jakarta at 14.7 percent (28.43 million people), and Central Java at 13.5 percent (26.11 million people). Meanwhile, the most common destinations are Central Java at 31.8 percent (61.6 million people), East Java at 19.4 percent (37.6 million people), and West Java at 16.6 percent (32.1 million people).

Regarding transportation choices for Eid al-Fitr, the survey indicated that trains are the most favored option at 20.3 percent, followed by buses at 19.4 percent, private cars at 18.3 percent, and motorcycles at 16.07 percent.

The estimated peak day for homecoming, based on public preferences, is Monday, April 8, with a potential movement of 26.6 million people (13.7 percent). The estimated peak return day is Sunday, April 14 with a potential movement of 41 million people (21.2 percent).

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/1936-million-people-set-for-eid-exodus-56-higher-than-202