Millions on the Move: Indonesia’s Annual Ramadan Rush
When the sun set on Ramadan, Indonesia’s streets turned into highways.
What Goes on When the Big Mosque Bell Rings?
Think of Jakarta as a bustling metropolis that suddenly turns into a dormitory for the world’s biggest Muslim nation. After the fast ends, about 15 million people—that’s roughly half of Jakarta’s population—pikc off from the capital in a patriotic dance called “mudik.” These commuters are the reason you see the normally jam‑packed roads feel almost empty.
Back‑to‑Roots Travel
- Drivers, families, and even the occasional bajaj (a quirky three‑wheel taxi) line up for coast‑to‑coast trips that can stretch up to 24 hours.
- Java’s highways, home to over 130 million residents, transform into arteries of camaraderie as travelers hurrying to reunite with loved ones.
- Airports, train stations, and ports become pilgrimages of their own, funneling people across the 17,000‑island archipelago.
What the Drivers Say
Sugeng Puji, a Jakarta‑based bajaj driver, estimates his journey to Kebumen in Central Java will take between 14 to 20 hours depending on traffic. “If traffic is smooth, it’s around 14 hours, but when it’s congested, it could stretch to 20 or more.”
By contrast, Dwi Soejatmoko—traveling 550 km to Yogyakarta—felt the roads were freer than in previous years.
- “There aren’t a lot of traffic jams this year.”
- “Our car was crawling, but it wasn’t at a standstill.”
Road Safety Woes
Despite fewer jam-ups, this exodus still takes its toll. Each year, dozens of brave souls lose their lives in road mishaps.
It’s More Than Just Travel
This mass movement is the starting line for an extended holiday—much like China’s Lunar New Year or Christmas—when many Indonesians celebrate Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of the holy fasting month.
So while the roads may get a bit calmer than usual, the spirit on the ground is electric: families reunite, laughter fills the air, and the country comes together in a testament to unity, resilience, and a whole lot of travel.