Mudik is an annual tradition in Indonesia where people who live and work away from home return to their hometowns, especially ahead of festive occasions like Eid al-Fitr.
If you’re preparing for your mudik trip, don’t forget to bring #AQUADULU to keep you company along the way. It’s also a good idea to keep reading because this time, AQUA is sharing some handy mudik tips you can follow during your journey. Check it out!
What Is Mudik Lokal?
As we know, the government had prohibited mudik for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the 2021 Eid al-Fitr period, the government introduced an exception to the mudik ban in several districts and cities. This is where the term mudik lokal comes from, it refers to that specific exception.
But what exactly is mudik lokal? According to the Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Budi Setiyadi, mudik lokal refers to mudik that is allowed as long as it takes place within an agglomeration area [1]. For some Indonesians, this term may still sound unfamiliar.
He further explained that an agglomeration refers to a cluster or concentration within a specific area or region. In other words, within a single agglomeration zone, people are allowed to travel between connected cities or districts.
For example, in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area, residents of Jakarta are allowed to travel to Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, or Tangerang, and vice versa. However, this year, the government has lifted the restriction and once again allows people to prepare for and carry out their Lebaran mudik journeys.
Tips for Mudik Preparation
Since Eid al-Fitr is such a special occasion, it’s important to make a few preparations to welcome it properly. If you’re still unsure where to start, here are some mudik Lebaran preparation tips you can follow:
1. Check Your Vehicle’s Condition and Safety
First, if you’re planning to travel for mudik using a private vehicle, it’s highly recommended to check its overall condition and safety beforehand. This helps ensure your vehicle is in top shape and ready for a long journey.
After all, you wouldn’t want your vehicle to break down in the middle of the trip, right? This initial preparation can be done on your own or with the help of a professional, if needed.
2. Complete Your Primary Vaccination and Booster Shots
According to official government guidelines, one of the requirements for traveling during this year’s mudik is completing your primary vaccination and receiving a booster shot. That’s why it’s important to make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated and boosted before heading off for Lebaran mudik.
Also, don’t forget to bring your vaccination certificate during the trip. You can show your digital certificate through the PeduliLindungi app as well, so make sure to download it on your phone!
3. Bring Medications and Warm Clothes
Another mudik Lebaran preparation tip you shouldn’t miss is making sure you bring medications and warm clothing. You can pack basic medicines such as anti-nausea medication, headache relief, diarrhea medicine, along with a simple first aid kit.
Keep in mind that you can adjust the type of medications based on your personal health needs. It’s also a good idea to bring some vitamins to help maintain your stamina during the trip.
In addition, don’t forget to prepare warm clothing to protect yourself from colder temperatures at night or during rainy weather. If you’re traveling by private vehicle, it’s best to keep items like jackets or sweaters within easy reach.
4. Check Your Travel Route and Locate the Nearest Healthcare Facilities
If you’re traveling for mudik using a private vehicle, it’s highly recommended to check your travel route in advance. Make sure to also identify key facilities along the way, such as healthcare centers, gas stations (SPBU), rest areas, and restaurants.
It’s also helpful to look for alternative routes you can take. This is important in case there are sudden changes during peak mudik traffic, so you can save time by already knowing the best route options from the start.
You can easily do this preparation using navigation apps like Google Maps, which can also show which roads are currently congested or relatively clear. That way, you can avoid potential traffic jams on certain routes.
5. Pay Attention to Your Health Before Departing
This mudik Lebaran preparation is especially recommended for elderly travelers, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions to consult a doctor beforehand. The goal is to ensure their safety and overall health condition before undertaking a long journey.
Make sure to get the best recommendations from a doctor on what you need to do to maintain your health and stay fit before setting off for mudik.
6. Always Bring MIneral Water
Considering that mudik trips are usually long and take considerable time, it’s important to pay attention to your hydration needs. If you are fasting, your drinking routine with AQUA may be slightly different, since you can’t simply drink water anytime during the journey.
The key is to maintain proper fluid intake as recommended, which is around 2 liters per day or the equivalent of 8 glasses. You can follow the 2-4-2 pattern: 2 glasses at suhoor, 4 AQUA cups between iftar and bedtime, and 2 glasses at iftar.
Those are some mudik Lebaran preparation tips you can start applying now. Now you know that mudik lokal was an exception to last year’s travel restrictions, right? In short, this year you are allowed to carry out mudik preparations again, with certain requirements in place.
During your journey, don’t let your mind drift, stay focused and keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking #AQUADULU. Naturally sourced, AQUA is 100% pure mountain mineral water for this blessed month. Hopefully this article is helpful, and have a safe trip home!
