Guide to Homecoming by Private Vehicle

Also read: What you need to know so that your homecoming goes smoothly and you don't queue for fuel

Based on calculations and experience from previous years, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) estimates that there will be an increase in the number of travelers this year on April 5-6, 2024. The peak of the annual exodus is expected to occur on April 8-9, 2024. Meanwhile, the peak of the return traffic is predicted to happen on H+3 Lebaran or April 14, 2024.

"To avoid peak traffic congestion during mudik (homecoming) season, I urge the public to travel earlier before that time," said Director General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Antoni Arif Priadi, in a written statement on Friday (29/3/2024).

Choose the right vehicle

If you are forced to go home by motorbike, he advises travelers to register for the free motorbike program.

Looking at the data, the Ministry of Transportation and several agencies have coordinated and prepared many things to ensure a smooth homecoming this year. Antoni suggested that the public use public transportation, with the aim of reducing congestion on the roads during the peak of the homecoming flow.

If it is difficult to get tickets, residents can use the free homecoming program provided by the government or private companies. "Avoid using motorbikes because they are very dangerous," said Antoni.

This was also conveyed by the Executive Director of the Institute for Transportation Studies (Instran) Deddy Herlambang. This is because around 80 percent of road accidents are experienced by motorcyclists. If you are forced to go home by motorbike, he advises travelers to register for the free motorbike or motis program. This program provides motorbike delivery services by train.

Prepare your needs

Drive a maximum of four hours, but three hours (driving) then rest is better.

Deddy suggests that if you want to travel home using your own vehicle, especially for distances over 100 kilometers, it is better to use a car. If so, checking the condition of the car before traveling to your hometown is something that cannot be missed.

This can be done at a trusted workshop to check the engine, tires, and other important parts. In addition, it is recommended for travelers to prepare a spare tire and its tools to anticipate a flat tire during the journey.

Also read: Homecoming for Eid, here are 4 recommended places to eat Empal Gentong in Cirebon

Driving documents, such as driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates, must also be prepared. Not to forget, it is recommended to prepare the balance of the electronic toll card to avoid long queues at toll entrances and exits. Travelers are also advised to control their belongings so that the amount does not exceed the capacity.

Health equipment, such as medicine and first aid kits, are also important to bring for travelers using cars. Specifically for drivers, it is recommended to schedule rest times. This is important to anticipate driving fatigue that could lead to traffic accidents.

"Drive a maximum of four hours, but three hours (driving) then rest is better," said Deddy.

Rest can be done in restaurants and in rest areas provided by the government on toll roads or on highways. Play facilities for children in the rest area can also be utilized so that children don't get stressed while traveling.

Filling with fuel

If you face problems regarding fuel, residents can contact the Pertamina call center at 135.

Ensuring that the fuel tank of your car is full before going on a homecoming trip is important. To avoid long queues on the road, refueling can be done at the nearest gas station from home.

Regarding the availability of fuel during Eid homecoming in 2024, Pertamina has already increased its stock and prepared additional facilities, especially on the homecoming route, logistics routes, tourist spots, and disaster-prone areas. There are also additional services that can be utilized by travelers to refuel.

Also read: Used Versus New Cars for Eid Homecoming 2024

Pertamina has a program called Pocket Gas Station (SPBU Kantong), which uses tank trucks stationed to supply fuel in areas susceptible to traffic congestion. In addition, Pertamina also deploys motorcycle riders who can deliver fuel back and forth when queues occur at gas stations.

"If you face problems regarding fuel, residents can contact the Pertamina call center at 135," he said.

Use the app

Security activities, traffic flow engineering and flow diversions will be clearly displayed on the features on Google Maps.

To support easy driving information during the 2024 Eid homecoming, the National Police Traffic Corps is collaborating with Google Indonesia. Google Maps application users can monitor road conditions, such as traffic diversions, open and close traffic, contra flow, and situational one way systems directly.

"The security measures, which include traffic flow engineering and redirection, will also be clearly displayed in the features of Google," said Chief of the Operation Control Subdivision, Operation Division of the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps, Adjunct Commissioner Renaldi, in an official statement.

Also read: Going home by train? Here are the Tips

The information contained in Google Maps can serve as a guide in determining the route to take, especially by looking at traffic density. Several features can also help during the journey homecoming. For example, there is a feature to find the nearest restaurants, ATMs, and hotels.

Hopefully, the journey of Lebaran homecoming 2024 will run smoothly and safely. The preparations for this homecoming can also be used when returning to each respective home. Deddy Herlambang reminds us that the success of the homecoming is not only about reaching the destination or hometown.

"But also because he managed to return home safely," he said.