Tips for Safe and Comfortable Mudik During Eid Season

The tradition of mudik, or returning to one's hometown, is an integral part of Indonesian culture during Eid celebrations. This year, the Government has issued a Joint Ministerial Decree (Surat Keputusan Bersama or SKB) by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of Manpower, and Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform of the Republic of Indonesia No. 236/2024,1/2024, and 2/2024, which regulates changes in the National Holidays and Joint Leave 2024, designating April 8, 9, 12, and 15, 2024 as joint leave for Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation predicts that approximately 193.6 million travelers, or about 71 percent of Indonesia's total population, will make journeys during the 2024 Eid holiday. The peak of the mudik rush is expected to occur on H-2 or Monday, April 8, 2024, with around 26.2 million people (13.7%), H-4 on Saturday, April 6, 2024, with around 23.2 million people (11.98%), and H-3 or Sunday, April 7, 2024, with around 23.1 million people (11.94%).

The increase in travelers demands a well-planned trip. If you're planning to mudik this Eid, it's important to prepare the following to ensure a safe and comfortable journey with your family.

Safe and Comfortable Mudik Tips:

Here are some essential preparations to make before mudik:

1. Take care of your body by getting enough rest. Long mudik journeys often require you to be in good physical condition and stamina, especially if you've been fasting all day. Ensure you get enough rest, especially before your departure, to be fit during the trip.
2. Prepare emergency travel funds. Often, unexpected expenses arise during travel, such as vehicle repairs, fuel costs, or simply shopping stops. Prepare emergency funds in cash as well as allocate them specifically for mudik in your bank account to help you deal with unforeseen events.
   
3. Prepare personal necessities like medications, vitamins, sufficient internet data, and a fully charged power bank. If you're traveling by road, don't forget to check your e-wallet balance for toll payments according to your estimated expenses.
   
4. Always follow the Government's mudik flow recommendations. Typically, the Government and local authorities issue mudik/return flow policies to prevent traffic congestion on popular mudik routes. Familiarize yourself with odd-even (ga-ge) rules on toll roads, road closure information, alternative routes, and any other restrictions during mudik for your safety and comfort.
   
5. Check your vehicle's health before the trip. If you're using a personal vehicle like a motorcycle or car for transportation, ensure it undergoes thorough health checks at a reliable service center or repair shop. This is a crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked.
   
6. Ensure home security before leaving. Double-check your home's condition, store important items securely, turn off and unplug electronic devices, electrical outlets, and gas regulators, check pump and water tap conditions, and lock all windows and doors.
   
7. Know the location of nearby mudik posts and ATMs. Mudik posts usually offer various facilities like healthcare services, toilets, places of worship, workshops, phone charging stations, free snacks, and relaxation areas for you and your family to rest during long journeys. Tens of thousands of ATM Link are also available for transactions in public areas across Indonesia.
   
8. Inform neighbors or relatives about your mudik plans. Although it may seem trivial, it's advisable to do this so that neighbors and non-traveling relatives can help monitor the condition of your home. If you have the budget, installing CCTV cameras around your home can also provide optimal security.

These are the preparations to ensure smooth and safe mudik during the Eid season. Follow traffic rules, stay cautious during the journey, and enjoy the Eid festivities with your loved ones safely.