Indonesia's Idul Fitri Holiday Exodus Reached Peak in the Weekend
At the first day of Indonesia's Idul Fitri holiday (4-8 July 2016), the capital city of Jakarta has become relatively quiet as some 6.7 million Jakartans are estimated to have left the city to spend a couple of days with their families in the suburban or rural areas (a tradition called mudik). The peak of the exodus occurred on Saturday-Sunday and choked toll gates in the Greater Jakarta area. Meanwhile, the number of air passengers during this year's Idul Fitri is expected to be the highest ever, supported by higher purchasing power and better airport and flight services.
Nationwide, some 17.9 million Indonesians are expected to return from the cities to their places of origin for the Idul Fitri holiday. Idul Fitri is the celebration that follows the holy Islamic fasting month (Ramadan). After having fasted for one month people are believed to be back at the "pure condition" of life and this is a cause for celebration. In Indonesia people tend to travel back to their places of origin for the Idul Fitri holiday. However, not only the Islamic community, also non-Muslims follow this mudik tradition.
Prior to the exodus, retail sales grow significantly in the bigger cities in Indonesia. In the weeks before Idul Fitri consumers are in search of clothes and various sorts of food and beverage products. Usually, these items are brought back to their mudik destination and shared or given to the family. This explains why the cities' shopping centers are extremely crowded ahead of the Idul Fitri exodus.
According to government sources air passengers are set to hit a record high during this year's Idul Fitri holiday. Bus passengers, on the other hand, are estimated to decline. This decline may be caused by safety issues or weak bus services.
Read more: Islam & Indonesian Culture: Impact of Idul Fitri on the Economy
Indonesia's financial and stock markets are closed this entire week. However, Bank Indonesia is still open today (Monday 4 July 2016) but only for limited operations.
Public Transportation Passengers during Idul Fitri (in millions):
| Transportation | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016¹ |
| Bus | 5.5 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Ferry | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| Train | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Sea | 0.85 | 0.91 | 0.88 | 0.91 |
| Air | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Total | 16.7 | 17.5 | 17.4 | 17.9 |
¹ indicates forecast
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Transportation