Kalideres Terminal Remains Quiet Three Weeks Before Eid
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – As the second week of the Islamic month of Ramadan approaches, Kalideres Terminal in West Jakarta remains largely empty of prospective holiday travellers.
Arif (not his real name), a worker at one of the Bus Companies (PO) operating at Kalideres Terminal, has revealed that conditions at the terminal ahead of Eid are far less crowded than in previous years.
“It is usually quiet here at the moment. The bus terminal is quiet now, not like it used to be. Previously, when Eid was approaching, the terminal would already be crowded weeks in advance. Just wait until Eid arrives – it won’t be as busy as it normally is,” Arif told Kompas.com on Friday (27 February 2026).
He suspects that weakened economic conditions amongst the public and the proliferation of informal terminals are reasons behind the decline in passengers at Kalideres Terminal.
“Many people use other transport options. Even when they do travel, they depart from outside the terminal, not from here. That’s why we’re quiet. Perhaps the economy just isn’t doing well at the moment,” he said.
Arif lamented the habit of passengers who now prefer to depart from outside the official terminal area.
This has significantly affected the income of workers and bus operators who lease official counters at the terminal.
“They depart however they can, it’s called illegal but they don’t care. But they don’t come to the terminal, so most people these days prefer to board from informal terminals. I’m not sure why – perhaps it’s easier for them,” he said.
Arif has urged the local government to regulate transport and passengers operating outside the terminal so that economic activity at Kalideres Terminal can revive.
He hopes that bus company workers at Kalideres Terminal do not lose momentum during the upcoming holiday season.
“I hope the economy improves so more people can return to their hometowns. And those illegal, informal passengers – they should be regulated so they don’t disrupt legitimate operations inside the terminal,” he said.
Kalideres Terminal Head Nur Prasetyo stated that ticket prices have remained stable so far. He spoke to Kompas.com at the location on Friday (27 February 2026).
Nevertheless, Prasetyo noted that ticket price increases are normal and will occur as Eid approaches.
“Prices haven’t increased yet, but they will certainly increase gradually. The closer we get to Eid, the higher and more varied the prices become, especially as we approach seven days before,” he explained.
He added that Kalideres Terminal continues to ensure bus fleet readiness for the upcoming holiday season.
“So far, preparations focus on fleet readiness. There will be ramp checks to ensure fleet readiness during the holiday transport period,” he said.