In the lead-up to the annual Idulfitri homecoming exodus, bus ticket sales at the Kampung Rambutan Terminal have seen a significant surge. The uptick is evident in both online bookings and on-site purchases at the terminal’s ticket counters.

Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal Head, Revi Zulkarnain, noted that several popular routes are already seeing a flurry of reservations, particularly for destinations such as Yogyakarta, Malang, and Surabaya, as well as various regions across Central and East Java.

"The bulk of prospective passengers are snapping up tickets for departures on March 17 and 18, which correspond to D-3 and D-4 of the Idulfitri holiday," he stated on Tuesday (3/3).

He further noted that travelers encountering difficulties with digital platforms may head directly to the terminal to purchase or reserve tickets at the official booths of the respective bus operators (PO).

"Typically, base fare hikes for the Idulfitri travel season kick in around seven days before the holiday (D-7), with the exact price adjustments determined by each operator. However, all companies are mandated to comply with government-set price ceilings," he explained.

Sinar Jaya Bus Manager at the Kampung Rambutan Terminal, Sutrisno Rico revealed that bookings for long-haul routes have skyrocketed. In response, the operator is deploying an additional fleet to brace for the massive influx of passengers during the annual Idulfitri exodus.

"Currently, the fare for Pemalang route—previously priced at Rp 120,000—is slated to rise to Rp 150,000 starting March 10. There is a strong possibility that prices will peak at Rp 270,000 as we approach the eve of Idulfitri (D-1)," he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Doni (54), an early-bird traveler hailing from Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD), Tangerang, opted to secure his tickets well in advance for a March 15 departure to Ajibarang, Central Java.

"I’m buying now to beat the rush and avoid the risk of tickets selling out," he remarked.

"Fares are still at standard rates, currently Rp 180,000. The experience at Kampung Rambutan Terminal has been seamless—it’s safe, comfortable, and the service is top-notch," he added.