Indonesia Braces for Waste Surge During Eid al-Fitr Holiday
Jakarta – Indonesian authorities are preparing for a significant increase in waste generation during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday season, as millions of people are expected to travel to their hometowns for the festivities. The Ministry of Environment has urged regional governments to proactively address the anticipated surge in refuse.
Millions Expected to Travel
The Ministry of Transportation projects that approximately 143.9 million people will participate in the mudik (homecoming) this year, slightly lower than the 146 million recorded in the previous year 1. Despite this slight decrease, officials anticipate a substantial movement of people from major cities to regional areas, shifting waste production patterns.
Waste Generation Estimates
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq estimates that the collective waste generated by travelers could reach 0.5 kilograms per person per day 1. This means the total waste produced during the homecoming period could be considerable, placing a strain on waste management facilities in destination regions.
Regional Governments Urged to Prepare
The Ministry of Environment has instructed mayors and district heads to immediately address the anticipated waste increase 2. Authorities are reminded that existing waste management regulations should be strictly enforced. The shift in waste production from urban centers like Jakarta to smaller towns and rural areas presents a particular challenge, as these regions often have varying levels of waste management infrastructure and capacity.
Peak Travel Day Anticipated
The Ministry of Transportation predicts that the peak of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming travel will occur on Wednesday, March 18, with an estimated 21.97 million people traveling on that day alone 1.
Transportation Trends
Private cars are expected to be the most popular mode of transportation, with an estimated 76.24 million travelers opting to drive. Motorcycles and buses will too contribute significantly to the overall travel volume.
Previous Waste Projections
In 2025, the Ministry of Environment estimated an additional 72,300 tons of waste during the Eid al-Fitr exodus season, based on a projected 146 million travelers 3. Rest areas along major highways are expected to account for a significant portion of this increase, with 10-20 percent of the total waste originating from these locations 3.
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