According to Mahendro Trang Pawano, the Public Relations Manager at PT KAI Daop 8 Surabaya, passenger traffic on trains remains significantly high as the Eid al-Fitr holiday of 2026 comes to an end. Citizens have begun returning to their hometowns to resume their daily activities.
Mahendro explained that the expected number of travelers last Friday was around 47,958 people, with 27,641 travelers arriving and 20,317 departing. This number is expected to rise by the end of the day.
Event Details
Three stations in the region recorded the highest volume of travelers, with Surabaya Gubeng station being the busiest, accommodating 13,998 passengers, followed by Surabaya Pasar Turi station with 13,580 passengers, and Malang station with 7,536 passengers. During the special Eid al-Fitr transportation period from March 11 to March 27, 2026, KAI Daop 8 Surabaya served approximately 792,790 travelers.
This figure includes 407,931 departing passengers and 384,859 arriving passengers. Tuesday, March 24, witnessed peak traffic, with the number of travelers on that day reaching 57,210 people.
Background & Context
The Eid al-Fitr holiday in Indonesia is one of the busiest periods for transportation, as many citizens seek to return home to celebrate with their families. In previous years, there has been a notable increase in the use of trains as a primary mode of transport due to their cost-effectiveness and time efficiency.
PT KAI aims to improve its services and meet travelers' needs by offering discounts on ticket prices, announcing a 30% discount on economy train tickets during the period from March 14 to March 29, 2026, which has contributed to the increased demand for travel.
Impact & Consequences
This increase in passenger traffic serves as an indicator of economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, as people return to their normal lifestyles. Additionally, the improvement of public transport services reflects the Indonesian government's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and meeting citizens' needs.
On the other hand, this surge in traffic may lead to challenges in traffic management and congestion at stations, requiring authorities to implement additional measures to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's experience in managing transportation during holidays can serve as a model for Arab countries, which also witness increased travel during religious occasions. These countries can benefit from improving public transport services and providing diverse options for travelers.
In conclusion, the high passenger traffic in Indonesia during Eid al-Fitr highlights the importance of public transport as a primary means of mobility and underscores the need for service improvements to meet citizens' needs.