Rest Area Operators Urged to Maintain Fair Pricing During Lebaran Exodus
PURWAKARTA – Ahead of the Lebaran exodus, rest areas along various toll routes typically become one of the busiest destinations for holiday travellers.
As such, rest area operators need to ensure consumer comfort is maintained, including pricing of food and beverages to prevent “price gouging” practices.
One important step undertaken by operators is making it mandatory for every tenant or UMKM operator to display price lists clearly.
Frince Rajagukguk, Facility Coordinator of Travoy KM 88 Rest Area, stated that price transparency is indeed one of the matters frequently complained about by rest area visitors, especially during long holiday periods.
“Food and beverage prices often become complaints. When Purwakarta Regent Dedi Mulyadi was in office, he requested that base prices be checked. We made it compulsory for every tenant to have a price list,” Frince told Kompas.com on 8 March 2026.
According to him, such price monitoring is important to ensure consumers feel comfortable when resting at the rest area, particularly during long journeys whilst undertaking the Lebaran exodus.
In addition to price monitoring, rest area operators also need to understand the primary needs of visitors.
“The best sellers are typically coffee, beverages and food. Souvenirs don’t sell particularly well here because people’s destination is Bandung, where there are already many food options. Most who stop by here are simply looking to rest or socialise,” Frince stated.
For this reason, basic facilities such as comfortable seating areas, clean toilets, and affordable food and beverage options become important factors in improving visitor experience.
In addition to expanding tenants and electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU), one of the plans being prepared at the Travoy KM 88 rest area is the addition of a turning lane within the rest area.
“Yes, at section 88B, it is planned that this year a lane will be constructed where vehicles can turn around within the rest area to make things more flexible,” Frince said.