In line with other public transportation companies, car rental services have also begun enjoying windfall profits in the lead up to Eid ul Fitr 1435 Hijri, when millions of people go to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones and relatives. No wonder, five days ahead of Eid ul Fitr, people begin to flock the car rental services in Jakarta for homecoming.

50 percent cars have been booked

Yati (36), a staff of Cililitan Utama Jaya Car Rental on Jalan Dewi Sartika, Cililitan, East Jakarta, said since Monday (7/23) until Wednesday (7/23), most cars have been booked out for homecoming.

"Demands for rental cars have significantly increased, leading to higher rental fees up to 50-75 percent per unit per day. Thus far, 50 percent cars have been booked," she told.

She predicts, the amount of car renters will keep creeping up until 3 and 2 days before Eid ul Fitr.

During homecoming season, she offers rental packages to the customers, such as rental for 5 days, 7 days, 8 days, etc. On regular days or normal fees, the car in one day for between Rp 250-450 thousand and Rp 2.5-4.7 million per five days in the moment of Eid ul Fitr.

For those who use the services of a driver will be charged an additional fee of Rp 200 thousand per day. Its tariff was also increased from normal fees on regular days, which is only Rp 100-150 thousand per day.

Sugiharto, (50), one of car renters admitted he prefers to use rental services than take the bus or train. "I don't care if the tariff is expensive, as long as the service is good. We do not need to queue. After arriving in my hometown, the car can also be used for silaturahmi (friendly visit) in my relatives' house," he expressed.