Indonesian VP Amin optimistic of Eid al-Fitr exodus boosting regional economies

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin expressed hope that the Eid al-Fitr exodus this year can bolster the economy in various regions, as residents returning to their hometowns during Eid will spur spending.

“We expect (that the Eid exodus) this year will positively impact the economy in regions,” Amin stated during his visit to Gorontalo on Friday (April 14), as per the statement received here.

Amin remarked that residents returning to their hometowns will spend money while celebrating Eid al-Fitr with their families there, which could help drive economic performance.

“It is estimated that some 130 million residents will embark on the Eid exodus, and there will be movements from urban areas to regions. If the 130 million (residents) return to their hometown, buying food and spend their money there, then the local economy will be bolstered,” Amin explained.

The vice president commended the residents’ enthusiasm to participate in the Eid exodus after the end of COVID-19-related restrictions, and he also urged residents to make the most of opportunities during the Eid holiday period.

“Residents indeed are happy after for more than two years or almost three years of being unable to return home (during Eid). Hence, use this opportunity to return to your hometowns,” he remarked.

Earlier, the Transportation Ministry estimated that at least 123.8 million residents would return to their hometowns during this year’s Eid exodus, or an increase from 85 million in 2022.

During the holiday period, at least 99.22 million people are expected to use land transportation, of which 22.07 percent, or 27.32 million people, will use private cars; 20.3 percent, or 25.13 million people, will use motorcycles; 18.39 percent, or 22.77 million people, will ride the buses; 11.69 percent, or 14.47 million people, will ride trains; and 7.7 percent, or 9.53 million people, will use rental cars.