The History of Indonesia's Mudik Tradition: A Custom Since the 1970s
Every year as Eid al-Fitr approaches, millions of Indonesians embark on journeys home to their hometowns. The tradition known as mudik has become an annual fixture inextricably linked to Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
According to detikNews, based on a survey by the Ministry of Transportation, the mudik exodus for Eid 2026 (1447 H) is estimated to involve approximately 144 million people. The peak of mudik is predicted to occur on 18 March 2026, or two days before Eid, whilst the return journey is estimated to take place between 24-29 March 2026 as the joint holiday period concludes.
This figure demonstrates the magnitude of population movement during each Eid season. Mudik is no longer merely a yearly routine, but rather an established tradition that continues to be observed to the present day.
What exactly is mudik, and how did this tradition originate and develop in Indonesia? The following is an overview of the history and meaning of mudik, which has been rooted in Indonesian society for decades.
What is Mudik?
The term mudik is closely associated with Eid celebrations in Indonesia. According to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), mudik has two meanings. Firstly, it refers to travelling upstream or into remote areas. Secondly, in everyday usage, mudik is understood as returning to one’s hometown, particularly around Eid. This second meaning is the one most familiar to Indonesians today.
According to information from Gadjah Mada University’s official website, anthropologist Professor Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra explains that the term mudik is rooted in Malay, deriving from udik, which refers to the upstream section of a river. In the past, communities living in upriver regions travelled downstream for trade or work, then returned to their villages.
Another interpretation suggests the term originates from Javanese, mulih dhisik, meaning “return first.” These various explanations indicate that mudik has historically been connected to the activity of returning to one’s place of origin.
The History of Mudik in Indonesia
The mudik tradition did not emerge spontaneously. According to information from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Brawijaya University, mudik is part of a long-established socio-cultural dynamic within Indonesian society.
When traced to the past, this practice originated from the customs of agrarian communities in Java, and existed even before the Majapahit Kingdom era. During that period, journeys back to one’s hometown were connected to rituals honouring ancestors, such as maintaining graves and offering prayers at sacred locations.
During the period of Islamic expansion, this practice did not disappear; rather, it adapted to the teachings that were developing at that time. Grave visitations and family gatherings then became prominent elements of the tradition of returning home.
The term mudik itself became widely used again during the 1970s. At that time, workers who had migrated to Jakarta took advantage of the Eid holiday to return to their home regions. From that period onwards, beyond being a journey home, mudik became a moment for family reunions and visits to the graves of ancestors.
The Significance of Mudik in Indonesia
According to information from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, mudik holds important meaning for Indonesian society. Beyond being a journey home to one’s hometown, the mudik tradition embodies values of respect and preservation of culture that has been passed down through generations.
The following are several reasons and aspects of the mudik tradition that have enabled it to endure to the present day:
- An Expression of Respect to Parents and Family
For many migrant workers, returning home during Eid is an expression of respect to parents and extended family. This moment is used to ask for forgiveness, to strengthen relationships that have weakened due to distance, and to demonstrate care for relatives in one’s hometown.
- A Time for Reflection and Self-Examination
Mudik is also understood as a break from routine. After a year of work or activities away from home, the journey back becomes an opportunity to reflect, evaluate oneself, and make new plans for the future.
- An Expression of Gratitude
Beyond being an occasion for family gatherings, mudik represents gratitude for the health and safety provided during the past year. Returning to one’s hometown symbolises an individual’s reconnection with their roots and family in good condition.
- Gathering and Preserving Tradition
During mudik, various activities are typically undertaken, such as gathering with extended family, holding thanksgiving celebrations, and breaking fast together. There is also the tradition of visiting ancestral graves as a mark of respect to forebears. This moment simultaneously serves as a way to maintain cultural values amid changing times.
- Increasingly Convenient Travel
Whilst mudik journeys were once undertaken on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, people now have numerous transportation options, including private vehicles, buses, trains, and aeroplanes. In recent years, online-based transportation and delivery services have also made it easier for people to plan their journeys home.
On the other hand, mudik is also synonymous with traffic congestion and potential travel risks. For this reason, various measures to regulate traffic flow and ensure safety continue to be implemented during each Eid season. With these various meanings and dynamics, mudik remains a distinctive Indonesian tradition that is observed with enthusiasm every year.