ASTINDO Highlights Need for Better Travel Infrastructure Ahead Eid al-Fitr

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) has urged the government to take quick action to improve infrastructure at several locations to ensure that tourists can travel in comfort during the Eid al-Fitr holiday season.

"Infrastructure improvements must be the government's top priority if they want to attract tourists, both domestic and international," said ASTINDO Chairperson Pauline Suharno in Jakarta on Friday, February 20, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

As an example, she pointed to the roads in big cities like Jakarta, which are hailed as the most advanced in Indonesia but are still in a worrisome state. Jakarta's roads are still riddled with potholes.

According to her, without adequate connectivity and transportation, Indonesian tourism will struggle to compete with other countries.

She also urged the government to raise operating and security standards in order to protect visitors from having unfavorable experiences at tourist sites and vacation spots. From a legal standpoint, she advised the government to strictly enforce the law against those who offer illegal transportation services.

"Therefore legal sanctions must be apply for illegal tour operators, ships, and transportations," said Pauline.

All these efforts are all intended to support government programs that aim to promote tourism and ensure safe and pleasant homecoming journey.

The government program that Pauline brought up is subsidizing airline tickets for local flights. ASTINDO itself has prepared attractive tour packages and promoted them at an exhibition titled "ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026."

"Hopefully, the public will be able to make good use of this," she said.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi predicted that around 144 million people would travel home for Eid al-Fitr 2026. This number is expected to keep increasing.

"Last year's survey showed 146 million travelers, but the actual number was 154 million, so we anticipate an increase," said Dudy.

To anticipate this surge, the government has agreed to implement a flexible working arrangement (FWA) policy. This policy is expected to lessen traffic congestion and ensure transportation operates smoothly during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The FWA will be implemented for civil servants and private sector workers on March 16-17 and March 25-27, 2026.

The Ministry of Transportation's 2026 Eid al-Fitr Transportation Survey found that the FWA is effective in reducing the potential peak exodus, particularly during the five and three days before the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Dudy has also emphasized improving the condition of several road sections in regions such as Banten and East Java. Other precautions include restricting freight vehicles with three or more axles, except those carrying food, fuel, and other necessities, in compliance with the joint decree between ministries. ***