Mom, Your Son is Coming Home...
”Duwe duit ora duwe duit sing penting mudik. Otw Temanggung.”(Whether you have money or not, the most important thing is going home. OTW to Temanggung.)
This was written on a piece of cardboard placed on the back of a motorcycle. The passengers were two people, wearing jackets, masks and helmets. The motorcycle was driving slowly on Jl. Raya Kalimalang, East Jakarta.
It was joined on the road by hundreds of other motorcycles, leaving only a small space for contraflow traffic.
That was the condition of Jl. Raya Kalimalang ahead of the Lebaran festivities: a sea of motorcycles. They would drive together, sharing pollution and grief on the way to their hometowns. Most were heading to West Java, Central Java and East Java.
Writings placed on the back of motorcycles apparently became a means of expression among motorcyclists traveling to their hometowns, which is especially rife this year.
The writing also becomes a means of communication between one traveler and the others, at the same entertaining those who are struggling to drive along the road that seems endless.
Please, carefully read other sentences written on the backs of vehicles: "Homecoming Tips: Don\'t bring unnecessary goods, like the ex with all the memories." Another one said: "Mom, your son is coming home! Cikarang-Palembang."
Muhammad Yunus, 22, wants to go to Pemalang, Central Java. He departed with 11 of his colleagues from Gunung Sindur, Bogor, West Java. They did not make any special arrangements. The capital is just trust. So that they don’t scatter and lose each other on the highway during the trip, they are escorting each other.
"Waiting for are those who are left behind. Watching each other. The point is not to leave anyone," said Yunus, Thursday (22/6).
This is different from Ii Subandi, 36, who has a special strategy. Ii departed to go home to Kebumen, Central Java, together with 11 of his fellow workers of a textile factory in Serang, Banten.
When they arrived at a gas station on Jl. KH Noer Ali, Bekasi, which is the continuation of Jl. Raya Kalimalang, they decided to take a break. For almost the last 10 years, they routinely go home together on a motorcycle. Embarking on the homecoming trip together seems to ease the heavy journey.
"We deliberately go home together, let [the trip] be merrier. And if something unexpected happens, we can help each other," said Ii in Bekasi.
Taking a 517-kilometer-long road filled with congestion, Ii and his friends arranged their strategy.
They always form a line, with the requirement that no one precedes the other to keep from getting separated.
"Anyway, we are not allowed to ride in a zigzag way. If we are taken over by other motorcycles, we will be separated," Ii added.
To maintain the line, Ii and his colleagues also create several codes for coordination. To communicate that one of the motorcycles needs refueling, the rider will show the index finger and thumb as a message to be seen through the rearview mirror for other motorcyclists who are in front.
When it’s time to rest, the signal is putting the palm of the hand to the left cheek while tilting the head to the left.
"Yes, the codes are simple and easy to understand," Ii said.
The experience of being trapped in traffic jams during the homecoming travel has taught Ii and his friends to bring gasoline for emergency situations.
It is not surprising, therefore, to see two five-liter gas jerry cans attached to some of the motorcycles.
In traffic jams, Ii said, it is very difficult to get into the gas station. In fact, easy access to fuel supply is one of the main needs of the travelers. Moreover, the capacity of motorcycle fuel tank is not able to accommodate 13 liters of gasoline during the trip from Serang to Kebumen.
During the journey, Ii and his entourage could only drive at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour because the road can be dangerous.
Along Jl. Raya Kalimalang, the height of the roads differs between the left and right sides. Potholes are scattered on the left side of the road. Dust from the Becakayu toll road construction hinders sigh and makes breathing difficult.
Jl Kalimalang becomes the main access from Jakarta to Java\'s northern road and is used as a place for "consolidation" among the homecoming travelers who are in groups. Usually they make appointments to meet on this road.
Aldi, 26, is going to Purbalingga, Central Java. He is busy preparing his backpack and tying cardboards on the back of his motorcycle.
He is also waiting for one of his friends to arrive. Aldi is worried that his colleague went ahead without him even though they had agreed to go together.
The two were separated because of congestion on the Pancoran toll road overpass on Thursday night.
"We are a group of three motorcyclists. We are just waiting for one more person, who is still trapped in the traffic jam on Jl MT Haryono," said Aldi.
Their agreement to travel home together brings both joy and challenges. If a colleague is left behind, the others will wait until they are united.
Congestion is almost certain to be a meal on their way home. That is why, in the joint homecoming, they will keep contact in the congestion or they decide to take a rest.
Unlike cars that offer roofs with air conditioning, motorcyclists must be prepared for the heat.
Therefore, many motorcycle travelers prefer to start their journey during the night.
"To prevent from getting tired and being too hot," said Aldi.
Ade Iman Julipar, 43, another homecoming traveler to Pamanukan, said one reason he likes to go home by motorcycle is the sensation of crossing the routes and the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Beyond the high risks being taken by the motorcyclists, they will soon meet and gather with families in their hometowns.
Happy Idul Fitri!
(D01/D10/D12)