3-Wheeled Bajaj Travels Hundreds of Kilometers in Eid Homecoming

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A convoy of three-wheeled Bajaj can be seen at Bekasi, West Java, ready to venture to a journey crossing multiple regions through Java’s north coast road (Pantura) on Saturday, June 9, in the 2018 Eid homecoming.

“These Bajaj routinely pass by during the homecoming “mudik” season, which includes the 2018 Eid homecoming. The bajaj can be seen passing Bekasi City since last night,” said Bekasi’s transportation department traffic field implementer Aryo W.

Aryo revealed that the multiple bajaj convoy often carry not only people passengers, but also household items such as sleeping beds, televisions, drink dispensers, and other common house items.

One of the bajaj driver, Munawar (42), said that he has brought his family along from East Jakarta and is headed to Solo which is roughly 500 kilometers distance if travelled through toll roads.

“It’s much more economical and comfortable driving a bajaj and it will only cost Rp180,000 for fuel for a single trip,” said Munawar in Bekasi on Saturday evening, June 9. As a comparison, the same person would need to spend Rp400,000 per person for a single-trip bus ticket.

These bajaj would usually stop four to five times to refuel before it arrives in Solo, which will spend a whole day to accomplish.

“I would just take quick rests. I would just look for a place to stop if I am tired, which is usually at a street side kiosk or refueling station,” said Munawar who also revealed that the bajaj he is currently driving to Solo is leant to him by his employer specifically t be used for the 2018 Eid homecoming.

Munawar said that he departed early compared to the rest of his acquaintances in Jakarta, which he says will depart on Monday night June 11. “My friends consisting of six or nine bajaj from Jakarta. Their destination varies from Cirebon, Brebes and many other areas,” said the inter-city bajaj driver.

ANTARA