Eid Holidays: Jakarta Feels Fresh As Millions Left the City to Visit Hometowns

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Eid Al-Fitr or Idul Fitri officially starts in Indonesia on Saturday (22/4/2023). Muslims in Indonesia celebrate this holiday by returning to their hometowns (mudik) and meeting their family members.

The toll road operator company Jasa Marga said that 2,78 million vehicles would leave the Greater Jakarta area for Eid holidays this year.

Meanwhile, the airport operator Angkasa Pura II said over two million people departed from their airports between 12-20 April, up around 26% compared to the same Lebaran period in 2022. The Soekarno Hatta International Airport is operated by the company. 

Mudik this year is freer than the previous two years as the government has revoked most of the COVID-19 restrictions. Wearing mask is now only recommended in Indonesia, except in public transportations.

President Joko Widodo is also returning to his hometown in Solo, Middle Java.

While families in various cities and villages are gathering together, those who live in Greater Jakarta also receive benefits as the streets are much less crowded. For about a week, before most people return, the locals in Jakarta can enjoy the less stressful traffic.

Photos: MH Thamrin street is emptier during Eid Holidays

The road around Hotel of Indonesia is also sparse

Ramadan  decoration is seen around the Selamat Datang Monument at the Hotel of Indonesia Roundabout (Bundaran HI).

The area is always crowded during normal days. Various foreign companies and embassies are located around the area, including the embassies of Japan and the European Union.

Photo Ops

Some people use this opportunity for taking photos on the Jakarta streets. However, the streets are not officially closed, thus cars and motorcycles still can pass around, and taking photos on the streets might not be completely safe.