Based on a survey conducted by the Ministry of Transportation through the Transportation Policy Agency (BKT), the number of people traveling during the 2023 Eid homecoming season is predicted to reach 123.8 million. This figure represents a 44.79% increase compared to the prediction of 85.5 million people for the 2022 Eid homecoming.
Land transportation is the dominant mode of travel this year. The majority of people are predicted to use private cars, with 27.32 million people (22.07% of the total travel) expected to do so.
Next, 25.13 million people (20.3%) are expected to use motorcycles, followed by buses with 22.77 million people (18.39%), intercity trains with 14.47 million people (11.69%), and rental cars with 9.53 million people (7.7%).
The survey also shows that the majority of travelers originate from Java Island, accounting for 77.3 million people or 62.5% of the total travel during the 2023 Eid homecoming.
Considering the high potential for travel this year, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi stated that his ministry, along with stakeholders, will prepare anticipatory measures.
“(These anticipatory measures) include the preparation of transportation infrastructure, safety aspects, traffic engineering management, and other policies to ensure that this year's homecoming season runs safely, securely, and under control,” said Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, as quoted from a press release on Tuesday (7/10/2023).
Budi stated that several factors contribute to the high potential for travel this year. One factor is the absence of community activity restrictions (PPKM), with Indonesia entering a pre-endemic phase or nearing normalcy post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Other factors include an improving economy, the absence of travel restrictions or prohibitions, and positive public perception of the 2022 Eid transportation arrangements.
This survey was conducted online, with planning and analysis of the results carried out in collaboration with academics and transportation experts. According to the Ministry of Transportation, the survey considered various factors, including sociological, economic, cultural, and social dynamics, as well as changes in policies and regulations related to the improving COVID-19 situation.