Jakarta. Indonesia’s annual Eid homecoming travel is gaining momentum nine days ahead of Idul Fitri, with passenger traffic rising across trains, buses, ferries, and flights as millions of Muslims return to their hometowns for the country’s largest religious celebration.

The seasonal migration, known locally as mudik, has become a key driver of short-term economic activity. The government estimates this year’s travel season could generate around Rp 190 trillion ($11.2 billion) in economic circulation.

Authorities expect roughly 144 million people, or more than half of Indonesia’s population, to travel during the Ramadan holiday period. The figure is lower than the 193 million travelers recorded in 2024, when mobility surged following the end of pandemic-era travel restrictions. Economic turnover from the 2024 travel season was estimated at Rp 157 trillion.

This year’s traveler count is also slightly below the 146.5 million people who participated in the homecoming exodus in 2025.

To support mobility and stimulate spending, the government has introduced travel incentives, including ticket discounts of up to 30% offered by state-owned rail, shipping, and airline companies from March 14–29.

The most popular destinations for the annual homecoming are Central Java, East Java, West Java, Yogyakarta, and South Sulawesi.

“The stimulus policy aims to increase purchasing power during the Eid transport period, which will boost mobility and economic growth,” said Ernita Titis Dewi, spokesperson for the Transportation Ministry.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Indonesia’s economy is showing strong expansion in the first quarter, supported partly by increased mobility and consumer spending during Ramadan.

“Spending during Ramadan is largely driven by consumer goods, education, and mobility,” Purbaya said. “This indicates that household purchasing power continues to strengthen.”

The seasonal consumption surge is expected to help cushion Indonesia from global economic uncertainty, including rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Economists also see the Ramadan travel wave as one of the country’s most significant drivers of grassroots economic activity.

“The Ramadan exodus generates enormous monetary circulation, stimulates trade, and activates sectors such as transportation, tourism, and small businesses,” said Mohammad Nur Rianto Al Arif, an economics professor at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University. “It can be viewed as one of Indonesia’s most important people-driven economic moments.”