Aditya Nugraha navigates 'mudik' exodus during Eid Al-Fitr

As Indonesia prepares to celebrate the end of Ramadan with the festival of Eid Al-Fitr, millions of people are embarking on a journey back to their hometowns. Aditya Nugraha, a 21-year-old Indonesian, is one of the many travelers caught in the 'mudik' exodus, facing long hours of traffic congestion.

The Islamic holiday, known as Lebaran in Indonesia, will be celebrated by over 220 million people in the country, making it one of the largest festive gatherings in the world. The festivities, set to begin on Wednesday, mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Despite the challenges posed by the mass migration, Aditya remains hopeful for a swift resolution to the traffic gridlock. Drone footage captured the magnitude of the situation, with thousands of vehicles lining up for ferries and many more en route to the ports.

The Transport Ministry estimates that around 193 million individuals will travel during the holiday period, representing a significant increase from last year. Jakarta, with its 11 million residents, witnessed a gradual exodus over the weekend as people made their way back to their hometowns.

The scenes of congestion and anticipation at the ports paint a vivid picture of the annual pilgrimage undertaken by Indonesians to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with their loved ones. As the nation gears up for a week of festivities, the spirit of unity and tradition shines through amidst the challenges of travel.