Friday, June 6, 2025

As Eid al-Fitr 2025 unfolded across Indonesia, Bandung—the capital city of West Java—found itself buzzing with movement. From the early hours of the holiday, trains pulled into Bandung Station carrying thousands of homebound residents and tourists.

Among them was 29-year-old Kurniawan, who stepped off the Parahyangan Train from Jakarta at 2:10 AM, beginning his long-anticipated holiday adventure. While the streets of Bandung roared with energy, its hotels remained unusually quiet, defying expectations for one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Kurniawan, a private sector employee, described his journey on the Argo Parahyangan train as a tradition he couldn’t give up. Despite the increasing popularity of the faster Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, known as “Whoosh,” he chose the classic route. “There’s something irreplaceable about watching the rice paddies and forest roll by,” he shared. “Even though today I didn’t get a window seat, I’m still glad I traveled by train—it’s more affordable and emotionally nostalgic.”

His sentiment reflects a growing segment of domestic travelers who prioritize affordability and personal experience over speed and luxury. The state-owned rail operator PT KAI has acknowledged this trend, with the Parahyangan service maintaining consistent demand even as the high-speed alternative gains attention.

According to data from the , Bandung experienced a 6.74% increase in long-distance train passengers compared to the previous week, totaling over 37,000 passengers in a single day. Even more notable was the dramatic rise in commuter train usage—up 96.97%—with nearly 200,000 passengers reported. The also saw a 2.46% increase, carrying 26,885 passengers on April 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, major highways leading into Bandung were congested with private vehicles and buses, reflecting the massive internal migration known as “mudik”—the annual Eid homecoming ritual in Indonesia. The had estimated that over one million people would enter Bandung during the holiday, making it one of the busiest destinations after Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

Despite the transportation surge and overflowing streets, Bandung’s hotel sector saw surprisingly low occupancy rates. According to the , occupancy across hotels remained below 50% from January through mid-March and showed little improvement during the Eid holiday.

Hotel owners and tourism officials expressed concern about the disconnect between tourist volume and overnight stays. Many speculated that tourists were choosing budget accommodations such as rather than booking traditional hotels. The PHRI West Java noted that post-pandemic travel behavior has shifted, with more tourists seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency.

The situation also reflects a broader economic challenge. Last year, Bandung’s local government had reported nearly IDR 1 trillion in —regional original income—from the hospitality sector. However, with government budget tightening in 2025 and reduced state-funded events, hotel revenues have sharply declined. A recent report indicated that hotel losses in Bandung have amounted to over IDR 12.8 billion due to cancellations and lack of government bookings.

Despite the hotel slump, Bandung’s public spaces, markets, and culinary hotspots were overflowing. Popular areas such as were packed with visitors enjoying the city’s cool climate and rich cultural offerings.

Street food vendors, coffee shops, and local eateries benefited from the increase in foot traffic. Families gathered at (the city square), while tourists flooded iconic sites like , the , and the scenic , located just an hour outside the city.

The city’s creative economy also flourished during the holiday. Bandung is recognized by , and its independent fashion brands, music venues, and art galleries saw brisk business as part of the Eid celebration circuit.

However, this increase in street activity brought challenges, particularly with waste management. Mayor Muhammad Farhan acknowledged during a press briefing that the city’s efforts to clear 70% of its temporary landfill sites before Eid fell short, reaching only 59.63%. Overflowing trash bins and blocked drains created discomfort in areas like , which is known for its high footfall during holidays.

The responded by deploying emergency cleaning crews and coordinating with volunteers to mitigate the waste burden during peak tourist hours.

To maintain public order, the increased patrols in crowded areas and transport hubs. Coordination with the ensured smooth traffic flow, especially around exit toll gates, train stations, and central markets.

The Tourism Office of Bandung City (Disbudpar Kota Bandung) also set up help desks and launched a mobile-friendly website with Eid-specific travel information, including safety reminders and public transportation schedules.

Bandung’s Eid 2025 season is a study in contrast. The city succeeded in drawing massive crowds through its charm, accessibility, and cultural depth, yet its formal hospitality sector struggled to capture this market. The situation has prompted calls from tourism stakeholders for better synergy between the government, transport authorities, and the private sector.

Bandung remains one of Indonesia’s most beloved travel destinations during major holidays. However, if it is to fully benefit economically from these crowds, a shift in strategy may be needed—one that caters to modern traveler habits while supporting the foundational players of the tourism economy.