By: Olivia Andianita )*
The government’s efforts to ensure safe, comfortable, and affordable public mobility are once again evident ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year (Nataru) holiday period. During this routine period, which is always accompanied by a surge in travel, the government has taken strategic action by reducing fares for several modes of transportation, aiming to reduce congestion, provide more equitable travel space, and maintain affordable mobility costs for all levels of society. This policy is not simply a fare correction, but a concrete manifestation of the state’s commitment to the public’s mobility needs.
The reduction in public transportation fares, both for trains and toll roads, has had a positive impact on equalizing traffic flow. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded encouraging data demonstrating high public enthusiasm for utilizing train travel services during the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period. The number of reservations for commercial economy train tickets as of December 3rd reached more than 380,000 customers. This figure is significantly higher than the same period during the 2024 Nataru period, which was only around 287,000 customers. This 132 percent increase demonstrates two important factors: increased public trust in train services and the positive impact of the fare reduction policy implemented through a 30 percent discount program.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin emphasized that the increase in daily ticket transactions indicates high public interest in capitalizing on the holiday season with safer and more efficient modes of travel. Furthermore, the gradual release of additional trains is a strategy to provide flexibility for customers. This policy aims to accommodate the needs of a dynamic community while also supporting smooth mobility during the holiday period.
Beyond rail transportation, government support is also strongly felt in toll road services. The government has decided to implement a fare discount of up to 20 percent on 26 toll road sections across Indonesia. This policy is a concrete effort to maintain smooth traffic flow and provide additional incentives for people traveling by land. The decision was outlined in Letter from the Minister of Public Works Number BM 0702-Mn/1115, which confirms that the discount will be effective on December 22, 23, and 31, 2025. This policy not only eases the financial burden on the public but also plays a strategic role in traffic management during peak travel times.
PT Waskita Toll Road is one of the operators fully supporting this policy by implementing tariff reductions on several of its toll roads. In Central Java, the Pemalang–Batang section is participating in the program. In East Java, the Krian–Legundi–Bunder section is receiving similar tariff adjustments. Meanwhile, in Sumatra, discounts are being applied to the Kayuagung–Palembang section, and in the Greater Jakarta area, they are being applied to the Bekasi–Cawang–Kampung Melayu section. According to Waskita Toll Road’s VP Corporate Secretary, Buyung I. Lukman, vehicle traffic during the Christmas and New Year period is expected to be heavier than normal.
Waskita also ensures that all aspects of its services, from transactions to rest areas and field officers, are in optimal condition. Road maintenance continues to be carried out in stages to maintain the quality of the road surface and ensure driver safety. Meanwhile, the government-promoted and implemented toll discount policy in collaboration with toll operators demonstrates positive synergy between the government and the business sector.
The Head of the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT), Willan Oktavian, stated that the implementation of toll tariff discounts serves a strategic purpose in supporting smooth traffic flow. During peak travel periods, this incentive encourages staggered departure times to avoid vehicle congestion on any given day. This policy is also expected to provide additional benefits for road users traveling long distances.
When viewed holistically, these policies reflect a government paradigm focused on public service. Mobility is not simply the act of moving from one place to another; it is part of social and economic interactions that must be properly facilitated. By providing more affordable transportation fares, the government ensures that everyone can enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays safely and comfortably.
This series of policies also aligns with the government’s efforts to encourage the use of public transportation as a more efficient and environmentally friendly mode of travel. Fare reductions and the provision of additional services strengthen the attractiveness of public transportation, thereby reducing pressure on roads and reducing the risk of severe congestion. At the same time, improvements to toll road services and fare discounts provide a balance for those who choose private transportation.
The successful implementation of the public transportation fare reduction policy during the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year holidays (Nataru) is crucial evidence that collaboration between the government and the transportation sector can deliver direct benefits to the public. By proactively addressing public needs, the government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that every journey is smooth, safe, and comfortable.
)* the author is a public transportation observer