When You Lose By Realita

Economic conditions that are not doing well have reduced the flow of homecoming this year compared to the previous year. (Bambang Eros VOI)

Three days before Lebaran 2025, the atmosphere of the station and terminal changed. More crowded than a normal day, but not as busy as last year. The toll road is crowded but not too crowded. Merak - Bakauheni crossing was also not as busy as last year. There is no extraordinary density. All that can be heard is the thin sound on the head: "It's expensive. Wallet is not enough."

The government predicts the number of travelers is only 146.48 million people, down sharply from last year which reached 193.6 million people. This 24 percent decline is not just a number. This is a reflection of the economy that is being injured.

Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) calls this decline proof of the expansion of frugal living styles that are efficient and efficient. But, in fact, this is not a lifestyle choice. This is a way of survival.

Economic pressure is most felt on the shoulders of the younger generation. Especially those called the sandwich generation.

They have to support two directions at once: support parents in their own villages and families in the city. Generally aged 30 to 50 years. Productive age, but pinched in need.

Income is not enough. Saving is getting more and more difficult. Personal dreams are postponed. Even basic needs sometimes have to be sacrificed. In a situation like this, going home is not just expensive but almost impossible.

The Kompas Research and Development Survey noted that 67 percent of respondents from 34 provinces belonged to the sandwich generation category. BBC Indonesia said this is no longer a middle class phenomenon. This is a cross-social class problem.

Their financial burden is not just a matter of personal life. This touches on national interests. Demographic bonuses can fail to be utilized if productive age actually fatigue supports two generations.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) states, in 2022, the dependence ratio will reach 44.67 percent. By 2025, this figure is predicted to increase to 47.7 percent. This means that almost one in two productive age people bear the burden of their parents and children.

Meanwhile, a rather quiet homecoming makes the circulation of money sluggish. This year, the circulation of Eid money is predicted to be only IDR 145 trillion, down from last year's IDR 165 trillion. Kadin even said the decline could reach IDR 20 trillion.

The retail sector screamed. The target of the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) to achieve a turnover of IDR 36.2 trillion is still unclear. Entrepreneurs as published in various media complain. Eid spending is not as usual.

Behind the massive discounted poster, the reality speaks otherwise. There are employees who don't get THR because of layoffs. Stalls closed early. Travel drivers, tailors, seasonal traders all lose the annual harvest season.

Transportation costs are soaring. Permanent salary. In fact, many have lost their jobs. Achmad Nur Hidayat, economist and public policy observer from UPN Veteran, as reported by his website, said the retail and manufacturing sector was the main victim of mass layoffs.

Apindo data states that during January 2025 February, the number of workers affected by layoffs reached 40,000 people. The most layoffs occurred in West Java, DKI Jakarta, and Tangerang, according to Apindo's Head of Manpower, Bob Azam.

Many people stay in the city. Not because they want to, but because they can't go home.

Eid still comes. But not everyone can welcome him happily. Many choose to tighten their belts.

Reporting from Kompas, many families no longer buy new clothes or pastries. They prefer to cook on their own. Celebrating in simplicity.

In the past, going home was a form of gratitude. Now, staying in the city alone is considered sufficient.

For many people, going home is no longer a priority. Not because of missing longing. But because reality is harder than hope.

The sandwich generation, who used to force their way home despite debt, is now starting to realize. They still send money. Keep video calls. But they know: Home is now a luxury.

And this is not the story of one or two people. This is the story of millions of Indonesians.

Lebaran this year noted a bitter reality: home is luxury. The tradition that used to be irreplaceable, has now fallen in front of expensive tickets, thin wallets, layoffs, and THR that never came.

Is this the end of the tradition of going home? Maybe not yet. But we have entered a new chapter. The era in which homecoming is no longer about going home, but about survival.

And this is the most honest story from Indonesia today.

Happy Eid al-Fitr 1446 H. Sorry to be born andbatin.