As Eid al-Fitr approaches, many Indonesians are faced with difficult decisions about traveling home due to rising transportation costs. Faisal Ikhrom, a 23-year-old barista from Jakarta, typically travels with his mother to their hometown in Madura, East Java, to celebrate the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

However, this year, their travel plans have been disrupted by the soaring costs of bus tickets, forcing them to travel separately.

The price of bus tickets has increased significantly, with fares now surpassing US$50 each way, compared to US$39 last year.

This steep rise has forced Faisal’s older brother to remain in Jakarta for the holiday, as traveling home has become financially unfeasible.

Sharp Decline in Travelers

A survey by Indonesia’s Transportation Policy Agency revealed a drastic drop in the number of travelers this year, with an estimated 147 million people expected to travel during the holiday period, a sharp decline from last year’s 242 million.

The increase in transportation costs has deterred many, especially those from lower-income households, from embarking on their annual homecoming journey.

Bus companies such as Pandawa 87, which operates several routes in East Java, have reported a significant reduction in passenger numbers, with business down more than 50% compared to last year. This decrease in travelers highlights the financial strain faced by many households in the country.

Train Travel on the Rise

Despite the challenges with bus travel, rail remains a popular and faster alternative. Madam Karya, who previously traveled to Central Java by minivan, shared her relief at securing train tickets this year.

The train offers a much quicker and more comfortable journey, with travel times reduced to just five to six hours, compared to the arduous, overnight minivan ride.

To accommodate the growing demand for rail travel, authorities have increased the frequency of trains, providing over 4.5 million train tickets nationwide. However, affordable tickets, starting at US$6, are selling out quickly due to high demand.

Road Congestion and Government Efforts

Although train travel offers relief for some, road congestion remains a significant issue, with over 147 million people expected to travel across Indonesia.

Authorities have issued travel advisories and taken steps to reduce congestion by deploying more transportation options and security personnel.

These measures are aimed at improving safety and easing the strain on the country’s transportation infrastructure during this busy period.

State-owned businesses have also stepped in to help mitigate the financial burden by offering discounts, promotions, and even free trips for some travelers, providing some relief to those struggling with rising transportation costs.

Economic Pressures Impacting Travel Plans

Economic challenges in Indonesia, including budget efficiency measures, have further exacerbated the situation.

Analysts, including Eko Listiyanto from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance, argue that the government’s focus on budget cuts has had a detrimental effect on household spending, particularly in rural areas.

He noted that the excessive focus on cost-cutting has left many families unable to afford basic necessities, let alone long-distance travel.

As a result, many Indonesians are forced to forgo the tradition of traveling home for Eid, not because they don’t wish to reunite with their families, but because financial constraints have made it impossible.

Image: Mediacorp 2025. Mediacorp Pte Ltd.

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