Many Batam-ites forced to cancel Idul Fitri trips to hometowns

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

Suyanto, a supervisor at an electronics assembly factory, explained that he had to cancel his plan to return to his home town for Idul Fitri, as has been his normal custom.

The transportation costs have become more expensive since the government raised fuel prices on Oct. 1. As rising inflation has prevented him from going to Medan, he said he would have to settle for calling his family during the holidays. "I am a bit disappointed as I had planned the trip a long time ago," said Suyanto, a father of two.

Suyanto had saved up approximately Rp 5 million (US$500) for the trip, but decided that he should save the money to cushion the impact of the rising price of basic foodstuffs and commuting expenses.

"The price of goods has been on the rise since the government raised the fuel prices. I have to prepare for the worst," said Suyanto.

Many other Batam residents are also facing a similar situation. Anas, the manager of the Novotel Hotel in Batam, said normally dozens of his 200 employees at the hotel requested holiday time off around Idul Fitri, but this year, just a few had asked to take leave to return to their home villages. "It is good for the company as we can keep up our productivity," admitted Anas.

The transportation fares have been on the rise since the government announced fuel price hikes on Oct. 1. The price increases also fluctuate between different provinces. Some have raised the transportation fare about 20 percent, but other local administrations have raised the transportation fare as high as 100 percent, including Batam municipality.

The increase in inner city transportation fares has affected rates for intercity transportation fares also, including those between Batam and Medan.