Perilous rides: Indonesian authorities discourage overloaded bikes as millions travel home for Idul Fitri

Meanwhile, the Jakarta City government is providing three trucks capable of transporting a total of 80 motorcycles from the Indonesian capital to Solo, Central Java, some 560km away, while their passengers hop on free buses provided by the city.

Transportation expert Setijowarno said these efforts are only temporary fixes which can only accommodate a small fraction of mudik-goers since they are limited both in terms of quota and destination.

The government, he said, should instead focus on improving public transportation in cities across Indonesia.

“Public transportation in smaller cities and towns is not as good as Jakarta, which is why some people bring their motorcycles with them if they want to get around in their hometowns,” he said.

Muhammad Rudy, one of the motorcyclists we met on the road, echoed the transport expert’s sentiment.

“That is why my wife and kids are travelling by bus and I travel by motorcycle,” the 34-year-old told CNA on his way to Batang, Central Java, located some 370km from Jakarta.

Another traveller, Ahmad Fuady, 32, said he chose to take his wife and child on a motorcycle because his hometown is only 132km away from Jakarta in West Java’s Subang Regency. His hometown, he said, is not served by either train or buses.

“The government should at least make it safer and more comfortable for those performing mudik on a motorcycle. Those who travel by car have access to toll roads with smooth road surfaces and rest areas. Whereas for us – we motorcyclists have to deal with potholed roads with very little illumination (from street lights),” he told CNA.

Indeed, the journey from Jakarta to Cirebon is filled with roads which were not well maintained. There were also no dedicated places where motorcyclists can safely and comfortably rest during their journey aside from restaurants, mosques and petrol stations.