Passengers Pack Intercity Buses at Kampung Rambutan Terminal

The long holiday weekend commemorating the Ascension of Jesus Christ, combined with public leave, has led to a significant surge in Intercity Interprovincial (AKAP) bus passengers at Kampung Rambutan Terminal, East Jakarta, compared to normal days.

The surge has reached 100 percent

Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal Head, Revi Zulkarnain, stated that the spike in passengers was triggered by the four-day holiday momentum, which residents utilized to return to their hometowns or go on vacation.

"Compared to regular days, the surge has reached 100 percent. This trend began yesterday afternoon, and we predict the spike will continue until tonight," he expressed, Thursday (5/14).

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She explained that the passengers' destinations are quite varied. For West Java, the majority are heading to Kuningan, Cirebon, Bandung, Indramayu, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, popular destinations in Central Java include Tegal, Purwokerto, Pekalongan, and Wonosobo.

"Additionally, several cities in East Java, such as Madiun, Ponorogo, and Malang, have also seen an increase in passengers. Even routes outside Java Island, including Palembang, Lampung, Medan, Pekanbaru, and Riau, have been busy since Wednesday afternoon," he added.

Based on current data, passenger departures on Thursday from 12 AM to 10 AM reached 210 passengers using 17 AKAP buses.

"For arrivals, we recorded 141 passengers arriving on 29 AKAP buses," he revealed.

Revi further noted that on Wednesday, from 6 AM to 11 PM, departures reached 1,367 passengers with a fleet of 81 buses.

"This figure represents an increase of over 100 percent compared to normal days, which typically see between 500 and 600 passengers per day," he added.

During the same period, arrivals were recorded at 792 passengers using 92 AKAP buses.

Despite the surge, Revi assured that AKAP bus fares at Kampung Rambutan Terminal have not increased. He urged the public to ensure they are in good health before traveling and to secure their homes before leaving.

"Lock your doors, turn off all electronic appliances, and entrust your home to neighbors or the local RT head," he urged.

He also reminded passengers to only board and disembark at official terminal areas for their safety and security.

"Do not board or get off on the roadside as it is very dangerous, especially since buses returning to Jakarta often arrive in the early hours of the morning," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, one of the passengers heading to Purworejo, Isnaeni (47), admitted she was intentionally taking advantage of the long weekend to return to her hometown with her two children.

"It’s great to have a four-day break to go home and enjoy some recreation. I plan to return to Jakarta on Sunday morning because I have to be back at work on Monday, and the children start school again," she stated.