Two Weeks Before Eid, Pasar Senen Station Begins to Fill With Homebound Travellers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta, was crowded with passengers on Saturday, 7 March 2026, two weeks ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Since 08:00 WIB, the waiting room and intercity departure area were filled with travellers carrying suitcases, rucksacks, and even boxes of belongings. Based on Kompas.com’s observations at the site, several passengers were seen seated on waiting-area chairs while awaiting train departure schedules. Some others were seen standing near the departure information boards to confirm their travel schedules. In the main waiting area, passengers filled almost all available seats. Several families were seen sitting together, guarding large suitcases beside their seats. Some travellers used the waiting time to browse their phones, chat with family, or rest. Ramadan-themed decorations adorned the station area. Lantern and star-shaped ornaments in green, yellow, and gold hung along the ceiling of the waiting area, underscoring the holy month’s atmosphere. Officials stood guard at the ticket-check gates to ensure passengers entering matched the train departure schedules. A digital information board inside the station displayed several intercity rail schedules, including Surabaya, Tegal, and Malang. Passengers queued for departures in turn according to the train they would board. At the ticket-check line, security officers and station staff were seen assisting in organising passenger flow to keep queues orderly. Passengers were also asked to have their tickets ready before entering the inspection area. One passenger, Kurniasih (29), a resident of Jakarta, said she planned to return to her hometown in Tegal, Central Java, to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with her family. Kurniasih said she deliberately left earlier because she worried about tickets selling out if she booked closer to the holiday. “Usually I travel by bus, but this year I’m trying the train because it’s more comfortable. I got a train ticket for around Rp 320,000,” Kurniasih told reporters in the station’s waiting room.