The surge in the Eid al-Fitr homecoming trip has begun at Tanjung Priok Terminal in North Jakarta. Since last weekend, the number of passengers departing for their hometowns has continued to increase.

Head of Tanjung Priok Terminal, Sandi, said the first wave of homecoming travelers began to appear on Friday (3/13). The majority of passengers were headed to several areas in Central and East Java.

"The number of passengers increases everyday. This is influenced by school holidays and some employees starting to take leave," he said, Tuesday (3/17).

Sandi explained that on Friday (3/13), 519 passengers departed on 75 buses. This number increased to 729 passengers on 82 buses on Saturday (3/14).

The increase occurred again on Sunday (3/15), with 1,298 passengers using 102 buses. Meanwhile, on Monday (3)16), the number of passengers reached 1,407, using 108 buses.

"As of 12 PM today, an estimated 500 passengers have departed on 55 buses. This number will continue to grow into the evening," he explained.

According to him, the terminal has also tightened safety oversight. Ramp checks, or vehicle roadworthiness inspections, are conducted routinely every day.

The drivers and bus crew also underwent health checks, which showed that most drivers were fit to drive long-distance buses.

Hendrik (54), a ticket officer at the Murni Jaya Bus Company (PO), stated that there had been an increase in the number of passengers ahead of Eid compared to normal days. Most travelers purchased tickets online, although direct purchases at the ticket counter were still being made.

"Our fleet departs in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices also increase, especially around Eid al-Fitr. For destinations within Central Java, such as Solo, Yogyakarta, and Purwokerto, fares range from Rp 180,000 to Rp 570,000," he stated.