Year-End Travel in Indonesia Gets Easier: Discounts on Air, Rail, and Sea Transportation Across Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and More – All That You Need to Know About Christmas Getaways

Published on December 16, 2025

As Indonesia gears up for the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holidays, the government has rolled out a strategic initiative to address the anticipated traffic congestion. In a move designed to alleviate pressure on toll roads and public transport services, discounts on air, rail, and sea travel are being offered. The program aims to encourage both domestic and international travelers to make use of public transportation, thus ensuring smoother travel across the country.

Fare Discounts to Ease Holiday Travel Strain

Starting this holiday season, Indonesian travelers can enjoy a variety of transportation fare discounts across multiple sectors. The government is focusing on reducing congestion, which typically escalates during the busy year-end period. With a mix of economic stimulus and government-backed fare reductions, the program aims to provide practical relief to millions of holidaymakers, while promoting the overall well-being of the national economy.

Among the measures introduced, rail travel stands out with a significant 30% discount on tickets for passengers. These discounts will be available from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Additionally, sea and ferry transportation have been included in the initiative, offering fare reductions of up to 13-14%. Airline tickets are also eligible for discounted prices, providing 13-14% savings on flights across the country.

An Economic Boost: Stimulating Travel and National Growth

The Indonesian government’s decision to introduce these fare discounts is also aimed at stimulating the economy. By encouraging the public to travel more, both for leisure and business, the initiative serves as a catalyst for growth in local tourism and related industries. The program also promotes consumer spending during one of the busiest times of the year, which can have a cascading effect on retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

The fare discounts come as part of a broader strategy to support economic recovery. Since the beginning of the holiday season, the Indonesian government has been implementing measures to stimulate domestic tourism, with the goal of enhancing the overall travel experience and maintaining public satisfaction. This will be a significant advantage as the country moves towards the post-pandemic economic recovery phase.

The Impact on Toll Roads and Transportation Infrastructure

One of the primary objectives of the discount program is to ease congestion on toll roads. By providing cost-effective alternatives to private car travel, the initiative is designed to divert some of the expected high traffic volume away from major highways. With the Christmas and New Year holiday periods typically seeing a surge in travel across popular destinations in the country, this strategy aims to reduce gridlock and improve the overall travel experience for all.

Authorities are anticipating a smoother flow of passengers, particularly on routes connecting urban centers and key holiday hotspots. Airports, train stations, and ferry terminals across Indonesia are bracing for heavy traffic, but the government is confident that the discounts will help mitigate the burden on transportation hubs.

Government Collaboration to Make It Happen

The government has worked closely with various state-owned transportation enterprises to ensure the success of this fare discount program. A Joint Decree signed by key ministries, including the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance, lays out the specific guidelines for the implementation of these reductions. The collaboration includes the country’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, which has supported the initiative from a financial standpoint.

The program follows the government’s earlier initiatives, which included a VAT reduction on airline tickets that helped make air travel more affordable for the public. This ongoing commitment reflects the government’s broader strategy to stimulate tourism and make travel more accessible to all.

What Should Travelers Do to Take Advantage of the Discounts?

For those planning to travel during the festive period, this is the perfect opportunity to save on transportation costs. Here are a few tips for travelers:

• Book early to ensure availability of discounted tickets for rail, sea, and air travel.
• Plan travel dates carefully, especially if you are traveling during peak periods, to avoid heavy congestion.
• Check with transport operators for the latest information on available discounts and ticket prices.
• Opt for rail or sea travel where possible, as the government has specifically targeted these sectors for fare reductions.
• Use the discounts to explore local destinations and contribute to local economies that benefit from increased tourism.

Final Thoughts: A Step Toward Affordable and Sustainable Travel

With the introduction of fare discounts for Christmas and New Year, Indonesia is setting an important precedent for how governments can use incentives to promote sustainable tourism. As travel becomes more affordable and efficient, the move encourages families, businesses, and solo travelers to make the most of this holiday season. Whether you’re planning a trip to popular cities or hidden gems across the archipelago, the Indonesian government’s initiative ensures that getting there will be more affordable than ever before.

This initiative also underscores the significance of public-private partnerships in ensuring the success of government-led programs. With a clear focus on both economic stimulation and holiday convenience, the fare discount strategy serves as a timely reminder that travel can be both enjoyable and budget-friendly.