Migrant Worker from Bengkulu Starts Saving Immediately after Eid to Enable Annual Homecoming

JAKARTA — The greatest challenge for migrant workers seeking to return to their home islands during Eid is the high cost of travel tickets during the festive season.

One such migrant is Oji, 45, originally from Bengkulu, who has worked for many years in Jakarta as a private sector employee. Oji has developed his own strategy: saving throughout the year immediately after the previous Eid season in order to accumulate funds to purchase mudik (homecoming) tickets.

According to Oji, unstable economic conditions mean he must carefully manage his finances whilst working away from home in Jakarta. Consequently, he decided to set aside money gradually, beginning immediately upon returning to his work city after the Eid celebration.

The reason is clear: bus tickets for Oji’s journeys cost approximately 650,000 to 700,000 rupiah during the Eid season. “It is indeed more expensive, but that’s Eid season. It’s safe though; I understand the pricing,” said Oji.

Despite the increases, bus travel remains his most affordable option compared to air fares. For this year’s journey, Oji, his wife and their child chose to travel by Citra Sekar Harum (CSH) bus.

“However expensive the bus may be, other transport options are also costly. Flights, especially, can run one million rupiah or more sometimes, so it’s better to take the bus — it’s also closer to the terminal from home,” he explained.

Oji is grateful that he has been able to save consistently over the years to bring his wife and children home every year. He hopes to continue making annual trips to his hometown and seeing his parents regularly.

“I hope I can go home every year and continue to receive blessings — that’s all I wish for and pray for each year,” he said.