Four Days Before Eid, Activity at Pondok Cabe Terminal Still Quiet

SOUTH TANGERANG — Activity among homebound travellers at Pondok Cabe Terminal in Pamulang, South Tangerang, remained quiet four days before Eid al-Fitr 2026.

No significant surge in passenger numbers was observed at the terminal, whilst several buses remained parked, awaiting departing passengers heading to various regions.

During observations on Monday, 16 March 2026, numerous buses were parked neatly in the terminal area, awaiting passengers. Several bus drivers and crew members were seen near their vehicles preparing for departure.

Prospective homebound travellers arrived one by one. Some participated in the government-facilitated free homecoming programme, whilst others purchased tickets directly at counters or on the spot.

Several travellers were seen undergoing data verification processes before departure. After completing this procedure, they waited in the terminal area whilst awaiting the buses that would transport them to their hometowns.

One traveller, Heru Setiadi, 30, a resident of Pasar Kemis in Tangerang Regency, said he was participating in the free homecoming programme to return to Yogyakarta. He was scheduled to depart with his wife via Pondok Cabe Terminal the same day.

“The destination is going back to Yogyakarta,” Heru said when met at Pondok Cabe Terminal on Monday.

Heru explained that he chose the free homecoming programme to save on travel costs compared to using commercial bus services.

“Normally, a commercial bus ticket costs around 500,000 to 600,000 rupiah. This one is free, which saves quite a bit,” he said.

“It is fairly difficult to get though; it took about three days before approval. So you have to stay ready on the application all the time, so you don’t miss it,” he added.

After completing verification, Heru and other travellers waited in the terminal area whilst awaiting the buses that would transport them to their hometowns.