Residents Choose to Mudik Earlier from Kalideres Terminal to Avoid Congestion

JAKARTA — Residents are choosing to mudik Lebaran earlier from Kalideres Terminal in West Jakarta to avoid traffic congestion and spikes in bus ticket prices. Herman (45), a trader returning to Purworejo, Central Java, opted to go home earlier to save money. ‘I trade, not go to the office. I can take leave anytime, so I’ll go home first. I’ll resume trading there in the countryside while the tickets are still cheap,’ Herman said at the terminal’s ticket area on Saturday (7 March 2026). ‘I’m taking Sinar Jaya for Rp 250,000; usually when Lebaran is near it can be Rp 400,000 or more, almost double,’ he added. By cutting ticket costs, Herman says he can allocate funds for other needs at his hometown. Going home earlier is also seen as more comfortable because it avoids congestion. ‘Better I save the money for extra snacks there later. Then returning now via the toll is still smooth, and I’m not too tired, so I can continue trading in the village,’ he said. Likewise, Supriadi (38), a resident of Cengkareng, also chose to mudik earlier from Kalideres Terminal. Lebaran’s THR (Tunjangan Hari Raya) has been disbursed, providing him with an opportunity to secure travel tickets for his family. ‘Fortunately, the THR has been paid this week. Rather than spending it now, it’s better to mudik first,’ Supriadi said. In addition to the cheaper fare, Supriadi says he routinely takes his wife home earlier to accompany his mother in the village. ‘Yes, at my in-laws’ village I happen to live alone; she is elderly. It’s a pity, so every year it’s two weeks here (Jakarta), two weeks there (the village),’ he said. Although his wife and children departed today, Supriadi himself will only return towards the festival as he still has to work.