jatim.jpnn.com, SITUBONDO – A number of migrant workers hailing from the islands within Sumenep Regency, Madura, have opted for an early homecoming journey, known locally as *mudik*, passing through Jangkar Port. This significant trend was notably observed on Tuesday, March 3rd, in Situbondo.
These individuals, primarily employed in Bali and various regions across Java, deliberately scheduled their return to their hometowns during the second week of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. Their strategic decision aims to preempt and avoid the overwhelming congestion typically associated with the peak Eid al-Fitr *mudik* rush.
“My friends and I, who work in Bali, made a conscious choice to return home earlier,” stated Acuk, a traveler from Sapudi Island departing from Jangkar Port. He further elaborated on their reasoning, “Typically, by the third week of Ramadan, the flow of *mudik* travelers already starts to become quite heavy.”
Supporting this observation, Slamet Santoso, Supervisor of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Ketapang Branch, which competently manages operations at Jangkar Port, confirmed a noticeable surge in these early *mudik* travelers over the past three days.
“It is certainly true that a considerable number of migrant residents have commenced their journeys back to their hometowns during the second week of Ramadan via Jangkar Port,” Santoso affirmed. He specifically highlighted, “The Jangkar-Raas route, in particular, has seen a relatively significant volume of travelers.”
Further illustrating the demand, Slamet noted that on the current day, the KMP Wicitra Dharma I ferry transported approximately 160 passengers, all destined for Sapudi Island.
Slamet projected that the consistent stream of *mudik* travelers heading to both Raas Island and Sapudi Island is expected to continue steadily over the next few days. This anticipated flow is particularly driven by individuals from the non-formal employment sector.
“We predict that the influx of *mudik* travelers destined for Raas Island and Sapudi Island via Jangkar Port will maintain its momentum, especially among non-formal workers,” he concluded, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this early homecoming movement.
Summary
Migrant workers from Sumenep Regency islands, primarily employed in Bali and Java, have begun their annual homecoming journey (*mudik*) earlier than usual, passing through Jangkar Port. This trend, observed during the second week of Ramadan, aims to preempt and avoid the overwhelming congestion typically associated with the peak Eid al-Fitr rush. Travelers have confirmed their conscious choice to return home early, noting that heavy *mudik* traffic usually commences by the third week of Ramadan.
Slamet Santoso, Supervisor of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Ketapang Branch, affirmed a noticeable surge in these early *mudik* travelers over the past three days, particularly highlighting the Jangkar-Raas route. On the day of observation, one ferry transported approximately 160 passengers to Sapudi Island. This steady flow of early homecomers, especially from the non-formal employment sector, is projected to continue towards Raas and Sapudi Islands in the upcoming days.