Unable to Afford Plane Tickets, Travellers Switch to Buses Ahead of Eid

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The increase in plane ticket prices ahead of Eid has driven some travellers to switch to land transport, particularly buses. In addition to being considered more affordable, buses are also viewed as more practical because they can deliver passengers directly to their destinations without the need for transfers. One traveller heading to Padang, West Sumatra, Yos (27), at Lebak Bulus Terminal in South Jakarta, said that plane ticket prices were the main consideration in choosing his mode of transport. He mentioned that flight fares have seen significant increases in recent years. According to Yos, the price difference is quite substantial, especially since he is travelling with his family. He thus chose the bus as a more economical option. “If (with this bus) it’s Rp 800,000 for me, my sibling, and my mother, three of us,” he said. Besides the cost factor, Yos also adjusted his departure time to his busy work schedule. He chose to leave close to Eid so as not to be away from his job in Jakarta for too long. “For me, it’s usually like that, three days before Eid, so when I arrive there (in Padang), it’s already dawn on Eid,” he said. He admitted that the short holiday period means he has to return to Jakarta immediately after the holiday. “Because I don’t want to stay long. Because I’m back in three days (to Jakarta) to work again,” he said. Nevertheless, Yos still makes simple preparations before departing, especially to maintain his physical condition during the long journey. He also chose to arrive early at the terminal to anticipate delays due to traffic jams. Another traveller, Roni (46), also chose the bus due to the ease of access to his hometown in Jepara, Central Java. He considered other modes of transport to make the journey longer because they require a transfer in a major city. “Yes, because there’s no other alternative for where I’m going. If I take the train or plane or whatever, it all ends up in Semarang. Even though from Semarang to the village is still quite far, about two to three hours,” he said.