Second week of Ramadhan: Some citizens opt for early homecoming to avoid peak mudik congestion

During the second week of Ramadhan, some members of the public are choosing to travel home early to avoid the peak congestion of the mudik (homecoming) exodus for Eid al-Fitr.

Early homecomers from 17 villages spread across islands including Nasi, Bunta, Breuh and Batee in Pulo district, Aceh Besar Regency, are utilising wooden boats as their primary mode of maritime transport to reach the outer islands of Sumatera. This early travel is intended to circumvent congestion during the anticipated peak mudik period for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.

At Ahmad Yani Port in Ternate, North Maluku, 68 passengers primarily bound for Bitung, North Sulawesi, boarded the KM Nggapulu ferry on 1 March 2026. These passengers also opted for early travel to avoid congestion and passenger backlogs, with the expected peak mudik period estimated to occur around 14 March 2026.

Train passengers departing from Kiaracondong Station in Bandung, West Java, are also travelling earlier than usual, heading towards popular destinations in Central Java and East Java. This early departure strategy is designed to anticipate train ticket shortages and the anticipated surge in travellers as the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches.