JP/PJ. Leo

Within a few days Muslims everywhere will celebrate Idul Fitri, the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadhan.

To welcome the special day, they make a lot of preparations. In Indonesia, Muslims observe a tradition called mudik (exodus), during which they return to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri together with their family members.

From preparing snacks, new clothes to mudik accommodation, people are doing their best to make good use of additional national holidays and days off that come in conjunction with Idul Fitri. The amount of things that need to be prepared ahead of mudik often turns it into a costly business. This can be quite challenging, especially in light of Indonesia'€™s recent economic slowdown as well as the recent inflation that has reduced people'€™s purchasing power.

However, you do not need to worry because you can still plan an exciting and joyful mudik and Idul Fitri holiday albeit on a reduced budget. This way, you can enjoy your trip to your hometown and socializing with your family members without thinking too much about money.

Here are a number of suggestions from us on how you can arrange a mudik that fits your financial capacity.

Make a detailed financial plan of your trip days ahead of the mudik As has been mentioned before, money matters in mudik as it requires you to spend money for a lot of products and services. In order to travel from one place to another, for example, you obviously need transportation facilities and accommodation (food, beverages, places to stay and many more). You also have to bring gifts to family members living in your hometown.

Because of this, you need to assess your financial situation. Afterward, you need to make a detailed cost calculation of the things that you need during your trip, like the type of vehicle you plan to use, the number of family members you are taking along with you (this is important as this determines food and beverage costs) and the type of accommodation you are staying in. This is very important so that your spending during the whole trip matches your financial situation.

Book your tickets far ahead of Idul Fitri

You need to determine the transportation mode that you will use during your mudik. If you are using public transportation like a bus, airplane, train or ferry, you need to book your ticket well ahead of Idul Fitri or even ahead of Ramadhan as ticket prices tend to soar near Idul Fitri due to scarcity and high demand during that period.

Service your vehicle

If you choose to drive, using your own or a rented vehicle, however, you need to service the vehicle first. A vehicle that is well maintained is usually more efficient in terms of fuel consumption, thereby reducing your fuel costs. Furthermore, well maintained vehicles have less probability of breaking down along the way.

Determine your mudik route

For those whose hometowns are located in Central or East Java, there are two route options that you can choose, namely the North and South coastal routes. The North coastal route, however, is more prone to traffic congestion than the South, therefore a lot of exodus travelers choose to take the latter instead.

The South route, which passes through West Java, can also be an alternative route despite being longer because its roads are less packed, keeping you from feeling exhausted on the road. You need to gauge the pluses and minuses of each route so that you will not spend too much time or fuel costs while making your Idul Fitri journey.

Bring sufficient food

In order to cut food and beverage costs during your trip, it is suggested that you cook your own food and bring it on the road with you.

Returning a day or two after Idul Fitri

If you want to enjoy an extended time in your hometown, you have to embark on your journey a week or two ahead of Idul Fitri so that you can immediately return a day after Idul Fitri. Roads are usually empty a day or two after Idul Fitri, so you can cut your traveling time, thereby also cutting your fuel-consumption costs. For those who take public transportation, returning to the city on these days is also very convenient as it will save you from having to endure packed public transportation facilities.

Join a free mudik program

It is definitely much more beneficial for you if you can join free mudik trips. A number of government bodies and private companies like the Transportation Ministry, Jasa Raharja, Telkomsel, Indomaret, and many more offer free mudik programs for the public. Just search online to find packages that are suitable for your plan.

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