While Everyone Else Goes Home, They Remain on Duty at Manggarai Station

In the midst of the quiet atmosphere at Manggarai Station in South Jakarta, several officers continue to carry out their duties as usual ahead of Eid 2026. Behind the ongoing services, there are stories of longing that must be held back and the choice not to go home for the holidays in order to ensure that transportation operations run smoothly. “During Eid, we actually have to be on standby. Passengers are starting to thin out now, but the flow of people returning home will definitely increase later,” said Arif to Kompas.com at the platform area of Manggarai Station on Friday morning (20/3/2026). He said that it has been about four years since he last celebrated Eid in his hometown due to work demands. Nevertheless, the feeling of missing home persists, especially when seeing the Eid atmosphere among fellow migrants. “Of course I miss it, especially seeing others going home. But this is already our responsibility,” Arif said. At the electronic ticket gate area, customer service officer Siska (not her real name) (27) also expressed something similar. She continues to work to assist passengers, including those planning to go home for the holidays. “If it’s me, I still come in because that’s the schedule. Usually, we take turns with colleagues,” Siska said. After her shift, she will return to her hometown in Yogyakarta. “Eid is often spent in Jakarta, then I go home afterwards, so I can still meet my family,” Siska said. According to Siska, the Eid atmosphere at the workplace is indeed different, but it still feels warm due to the camaraderie with colleagues.