Indonesia’s President warns of a 45% surge in Eid homecoming travellers and asks for better preparation from all parties.

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has warned citizens to be cautious as the number of people travelling home for the Eid season, or mudik, is predicted to increase by 45% from 86 million in 2022 to 123 million this year. He urged relevant ministries and non-ministerial institutions, as well as state-owned ferry operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry, to prepare for the homecoming season and prevent a repeat of severe congestion experienced in 2022. Additional dock ports have been introduced, increasing passenger capacity from 34,000 to 49,000, and operational management, including a special port for motorbikes and heavy vehicles, has been established. All passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets online. The Eid al-Fitr festive period is a time when many people, including workers in urban areas, return to their hometowns, which could increase Covid-19 transmission rates.