Airline Ticket Prices Surge During Eid Holiday as Migrants Opt for Buses at Kampung Rambutan Terminal
JAKARTA – Several prospective migrants have stated that they are choosing to travel by bus to return home due to the lower costs compared to other modes of transport, particularly aircraft whose fares surge in advance of the Eid holiday.
One such traveller is Rudi, aged 27, a migrant from Palembang. He opted for the bus because airline ticket prices increase considerably during the migration season.
“Although bus fares do increase—approximately 60 per cent from 300,000 to 650,000 rupiah—aircraft tickets can double for a return journey, reaching 1.5 million rupiah, and tickets are difficult to obtain,” Rudi said when encountered at Kampung Rambutan Terminal on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
“Of course, one would prefer to fly, as it is much faster. A bus journey can take up to 13 hours. However, because aircraft tickets are expensive, I chose the more affordable option. Besides, buses are always available,” he explained.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Rani, aged 40, a migrant from Lampung, who also chose the bus owing to the sharp increase in aircraft ticket prices during Eid.
“Outside the Eid period, aircraft tickets can still be found for 1 million rupiah or even less. During Eid, however, prices increase substantially. If I am not mistaken, some tickets reach 1.5 million rupiah, or even higher,” she said.
In addition to price considerations, ticket availability also influenced Rani’s decision to use the bus for her return to Lampung.
“When it comes to migration, buses are always available. So although prices do increase, they do not rise as steeply as aircraft tickets,” she stated.
Kampung Rambutan Terminal began to experience increased passenger traffic on intercity inter-provincial buses (AKAP) six days before Eid, on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
Based on observations at the location, the terminal’s waiting area appeared busy with prospective migrants carrying suitcases and large bags.
Several newly arrived buses were immediately filled with passengers wishing to continue their journeys. Meanwhile, bus drivers could be seen exiting their vehicles to undergo health examinations before resuming their duties.
Around the terminal, combined security personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), Civil Service Police, and the Transportation Authority were stationed at security checkpoints.
The police also conducted patrols throughout the terminal area, including patrols with search dogs to anticipate potential criminal activity.