The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, through the Transportation Policy Agency (BKT), has released findings from a recent survey, indicating a significant increase in travel during the 2023-2024 Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays. The survey predicts that travel movement will involve 107.63 million people, accounting for 39.83% of the national population, a dramatic rise of 143.65% compared to last year’s 44.17 million.
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi stated, as reported by Antara on Monday (20/11), “The considerable increase in travel this year is a testament to the growing mobility of our population.” The survey found that the primary reasons for travel during the holidays include vacationing at tourist locations (45.29%), homecoming trips (30.15%), and celebrating Christmas in one’s hometown (18.98%).
Private vehicles, notably cars (35.57%) and motorcycles (17.92%), are the dominant modes of transport, as per the survey results. Public transportation preferences include trains (13.16%), planes (11.91%), buses (10.94%), ferryboats (10.94%), and ships (3.44%).
Key transportation hubs expected to experience high traffic include Senen, Gambir, Sidoarjo, and Bandung Stations, along with major airports and ferry ports. In light of these predictions, Minister Budi Karya emphasized the importance of preparing for increased traffic at crucial points. “Intensive coordination with regional governments, police, toll road managers, BMKG, the National SAR Agency, and other stakeholders is crucial,” he said.
Robby Kurniawan, Head of BKT, noted that while the survey offers insights into travel trends, it should not be seen as a substitute for actual situational data. “These findings are instrumental in shaping our operational plans for the Nataru holiday transport arrangements,” he added.
The survey also highlighted the top five regions for origin and destination of travel. East Java leads with 16.30%, followed by Jabodetabek, Central Java, West Java, and North Sumatra. The peak travel days are expected to be December 23 and 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
This surge in holiday travel, as predicted by the Ministry of Transportation’s survey, also has significant implications for Bali, one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations. With a considerable portion of travelers expected to choose Bali as their holiday spot, the island is likely to experience an influx of visitors, especially given its popularity for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Conducted over a month from October 26 to November 2, 2023, this survey utilized online questionnaires distributed via WhatsApp, Instagram, and SMS Blast. It involved collaboration with media, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Kominfo, academics, and transportation sector practitioners.