Traveling during Ramadan is a true test of patience, but mudik (homecoming) is even more than that. In 2016, my family and I embarked on a journey that was not just about returning home but also about discovering unexpected lessons along the way. Mudik is not merely a trip back to one’s hometown; it is a journey filled with challenges and deep meaning. For many Indonesians, it has become a cherished tradition during Ramadan, as people travel in large numbers to reunite with their long-separated loved ones.
More than just a test of endurance, mudik taught me patience in its simplest form, but experiencing it firsthand gave it a much deeper meaning. The journey brought my family closer, strengthening our bond and giving us a sense of warmth and comfort.
During a family trip, parents are not just leaders for their children; every child must also learn to take responsibility for themselves rather than relying entirely on their parents. A long journey requires every family member to maintain emotional stability so that the trip does not become overly exhausting.
In 2016, when my family and I traveled back to our hometown, we eagerly anticipated this joyful moment, as we lived far from our relatives. However, who would have thought that what was supposed to be a fun journey—one that would finally end our longing for family—would turn into an unexpected challenge, even a disaster? Our trip was far from easy. No one expected that year’s mudik to make history in Indonesia. The traffic congestion was unimaginable, with vehicles at a complete standstill for hours.
I vividly remember that day—we chose to continue fasting despite the long journey, even though Islam permits travelers to break their fast under such conditions. However, my entire family agreed to maintain our fast, even as the journey became increasingly overwhelming.
The massive congestion occurred because, for the first time, the Trans-Java Toll Road had been opened up to Brebes Timur, known as Brexit (Brebes Exit). This new toll road reduced the Jakarta-Brebes travel time to approximately four hours. Naturally, people were eager to try the new route, making it a magnet for travelers. However, this led to unprecedented congestion. The traffic jam at Brexit during the 2016 mudik became the worst in Indonesia’s history.
The journey took much longer than expected—we spent three days and three nights on the road. We had several suhoor (pre-dawn meals) and iftar (breaking the fast) meals while traveling. Locals took advantage of the situation by selling food to travelers for suhoor and iftar. However, the most touching moment I remember was during Maghrib (sunset prayer) when I saw entire families performing prayers in a congregation on the roadside. It was an incredible sight. I admired their dedication to prioritizing prayer despite the unbearable traffic. That moment reminded me to always prioritize worship, no matter the circumstances.
Another terrifying experience we faced was when our car’s fuel was running low. To conserve gas, we had already turned off the air conditioning. My entire family felt anxious, worried, and restless. I saw several cars stranded on the roadside because they had run out of fuel. Despite the uncertainty, we kept moving forward until we finally reached a gas station packed with vehicles. The atmosphere was chaotic, with long queues and impatient drivers. Just as things were getting worse, a soldier appeared and helped direct our car into the queue, allowing us to refuel smoothly.
That day was just two days before Eid, yet we were still trapped in the never-ending traffic. The trip, which should have taken a maximum of two days, had already consumed so much of our time. My father, who was the driver, felt immense pressure and stress. As the one behind the wheel, he endured both exhaustion and frustration. He later told us that the entire experience was traumatizing for him. If passengers were already feeling anxious, the driver had to bear an even greater level of stress and responsibility.
We stopped at a roadside mosque on the third night of our journey. Initially, our only intention was to pray, but we ended up resting there. My father was exhausted and needed sleep, as he had barely rested throughout the trip. That night, we stayed at the mosque until the road conditions improved. After getting some rest, we resumed our journey after Fajr (dawn prayer). The traffic was much smoother, and we finally arrived at our hometown around 8 AM.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers and facing numerous challenges, we finally experienced the joy of reuniting with our family. All the exhaustion disappeared the moment we saw their faces, eagerly waiting for our arrival.
The 2016 mudik journey remains an unforgettable memory for my family. Enduring the traffic while fasting and pushing through the journey to reach our destination is something that will always stay with me. From this trip, I learned a lot about patience and emotional control while traveling. A positive mindset, even in stressful situations, can make a tiring journey feel more bearable—especially when surrounded by family.
Looking back on that experience, I realize how travel has a way of teaching lessons that no classroom ever could. The journey was not just about reaching our destination; it was about how we handled challenges along the way. Every moment, from the frustration of being stuck in traffic to the collective prayers held on the roadside, taught me something about resilience, gratitude, and faith.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned from this journey is that no matter how difficult a situation is, there is always something to be grateful for. Despite being stuck in traffic for days, we were still fortunate to have food, shelter, and each other. I saw people helping one another, sharing food, and comforting fellow travelers. The spirit of togetherness during mudik is truly remarkable. In moments of hardship, kindness shines the brightest.
I also came to appreciate my father’s efforts more deeply. As a child, I never truly understood how much responsibility a driver bears during long trips. It was only after witnessing my father’s exhaustion that I realized the burden he carried. He had to stay focused, navigate through chaotic roads, and ensure our safety while fighting off fatigue. Now I have the utmost respect for all drivers who take on long journeys to bring their families home.
Some moments can only be felt when we are on the road. I realized that traveling is not only about reaching the final destination but also about embracing every kilometer of the journey. Unexpected events happen for a reason, and even hardships come to teach us valuable lessons from a different perspective.
Sometimes, the best lessons in life come from the most unexpected journeys. In 2016, I set out on a trip that was not just about mudik, but also about discovering unforeseen lessons along the way.
By: Zaskia Fatimah Auladina
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