Ten Years Without Celebrating Eid at Home: Bogor Bus Driver Prioritises Passenger Service

BOGOR — Mustofa, aged 40, a bus driver in the free homecoming programme in Bogor, has not spent Eid at home with his family for ten years. Originally from Serang, Banten, he has never missed his duty of transporting homecoming passengers during the Eid holiday rush in a decade of service as a bus driver.

“For ten years now, I have not celebrated Eid at home. It’s because of our responsibility — we end up celebrating Eid on the road,” Mustofa told Kompas.com at Alun-alun Bogor on Monday (16/3/2026).

“But what can we do? It’s our responsibility as a crew member,” he added.

Despite this, Mustofa has found his own way to cope with the sadness of not celebrating Eid with his family. Through video calls on his mobile device, he maintains communication with his family. Although it feels different, he believes this is the best way to celebrate Eid with his loved ones at home.

“We do video calls, stay in touch through messages, exchange blessings via mobile phone. The important thing is that everyone stays healthy, both those at home and those on the road,” he said.

After completing the task of transporting homecoming passengers and bringing back return travellers, Mustofa finally returns to his home in Serang on the seventh day after Eid.

Another bus driver, Rohili, aged 57, also from Serang, has experienced something similar. He has also missed celebrating Eid with his family at home several times due to his duty transporting homecoming passengers. However, the duration of his absences has not been as long as Mustofa’s.

Rohili missed Eid at home three times: in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

“It happened consecutively. It is indeed our responsibility as drivers to serve passengers who need our service,” Rohili told Kompas.com on Monday.

Vehicle inspections are conducted to ensure the condition of the engine, tyres, and braking system. Once all components are verified to be in good condition and roadworthy, the bus can be used to serve homecoming travellers during the mudik rush.