The surge in homecoming traffic is unavoidable during long holiday seasons and religious festivities. Travelers have become familiar with traffic congestion, especially ahead of Lebaran.
The government has once again continued the Economic Stimulus Package for Ramadan-Lebaran 2025, which was previously implemented during Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025.
Indonesia’s president, Prabowo Subianto, announced the stimulus on Monday (Feb. 17) at the State Palace. The stimulus includes discounts on airline tickets, toll fees, shopping discounts, homecoming tourism programs, and food price stability.
In response, Dr. Dewanti, a researcher at the UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies (Pustral UGM), welcomed the government’s economic stimulus program.
She believes that this policy will help ease the burden on the public.
“It is expected that this stimulus can assist the public, especially those with significant expenses, in gaining greater access to discounted airline and toll fees,” she said on Monday (Feb. 24).
In last year’s stimulus program, the government successfully increased transportation facilities and capacity across various routes, including land, air, and sea.
Through the Ministry of Transportation, the government provided free homecoming programs for 38,772 passengers and 2,320 motorcycles; 88 buses with 11 routes from Jakarta to destinations such as Solo, Jogja, Surabaya, and others; and a 10% reduction in airline ticket prices.
However, Dr. Dewanti also pointed out that the government must consider the implications of this policy, both positive and negative, including any potential domino effects.
She cautioned the government to prepare for the possibility of a surge in homecoming travelers, potentially several times higher than during the Christmas and New Year period.
“If we observe, the number of vehicles during Lebaran is significantly higher, perhaps three times the movement during the Christmas-New Year period. This certainly requires greater anticipation,” she reminded.
In addition to the potential surge in homecoming travelers, Dr. Dewanti added that the government must carefully plan supporting infrastructure, such as toll roads and other facilities like rest areas and proper waiting rooms.
Additionally, they must account for the choice of private and public transportation that homecoming travelers will make.
“Hopefully, more people will choose public transportation, which will reduce the use of private vehicles,” she explained.
According to Dr. Dewanti, the toll fee discount may increase the number of toll road users, leading to congestion on regular roads when exiting the toll roads. Therefore, anticipatory measures are needed to prevent traffic jams and accidents.
“This can help reduce both congestion and accident rates,” she stated.
Dr. Dewanti also emphasized the need for coordination between the government and society, including transportation operators and airlines, and the equitable application of this program.
She questioned whether the discounted rates would be available across all regions or limited to certain airlines.
“How will the fare reduction impact operators? We must ensure that the reduction does not come at the expense of consumer aspects. For example, will there be a decrease in comfort or safety? This needs to be maintained,” she said.
Furthermore, the government’s ability to allocate a budget must be carefully considered. Providing subsidies, especially for public transportation, should reach the public to ensure more affordable fares and avoid future complaints or issues.
“There needs to be clear, well-planned communication to the public. The earlier, the better, so it doesn’t cause confusion,” Dr. Dewanti advised.
She suggested that the government implement policies to minimize traffic congestion ahead of Lebaran and learn from previous experiences handling homecoming traffic.
Coordinating with relevant stakeholders can smooth the homecoming traffic flow and minimize accidents or severe incidents.
She also praised the government’s plan to implement the work-from-anywhere policy before the long holiday, which could spread out the homecoming rush over a longer period.
“I believe the government still has time, until the lead-up to Lebaran, about a month, to prepare everything, and anticipation should be a priority. Involving various parties is key,” she concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Image: Disway.id