{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1624265,
        "msgid": "free-homecoming-journey-from-economic-policy-to-a-meaningful-return-home-1773899478",
        "date": "2026-03-19 12:09:03",
        "title": "Free Homecoming Journey: From Economic Policy to a Meaningful Return Home",
        "author": "Sakina Rakhma Diah Setiawan",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Indonesia's free mudik programme, traditionally viewed as seasonal transport aid, plays a crucial role in enhancing societal welfare and stimulating economic circulation by redistributing benefits and alleviating transportation cost burdens during Eid. Experts highlight its impact on economic distribution through increased activity in local sectors like MSMEs, trade, and tourism, while emphasising the need for targeted management and inter-agency coordination to maximise effectiveness. In Surabaya, hundreds of residents eagerly participated in the initiative, which provided not only free travel but also supporting facilities and pocket money, turning the journey into a safe and joyful reunion with family.",
        "content": "<p>SURABAYA, KOMPAS.com - The free mudik programme is no longer merely\nseen as seasonal transport assistance. Behind it lies an important role\nin maintaining public welfare while boosting economic circulation.<\/p>\n<p>A lecturer in Financial Management from the Faculty of Economics and\nBusiness at Dinamika University, Rudi Santoso, views free mudik as a\nform of socio-economic intervention with broad impacts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe free mudik programme is essentially a redistribution of benefits\nto the public. Transportation costs that usually rise ahead of Eid can\nbecome a significant burden,\u201d said the lecturer, commonly known as Rudi,\nto Kompas.com.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith this programme, people can redirect their spending to other\nmore productive needs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, the mudik flow also promotes economic activity\ndistribution. The movement of people from cities to regions triggers\nmoney circulation in various sectors, from MSMEs and local trade to\ntourism.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn this context, mudik is not just a social phenomenon but also a\nsignificant seasonal economic distribution mechanism,\u201d said Rudi\nSantoso.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, he reminded the importance of targeted management to\nensure the programme\u2019s benefits are truly optimal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIntegration of recipient data and coordination between institutions\nare key to making this programme not only socially popular but also\neconomically effective,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n<p>The implementation of this programme is evident in the City of\nHeroes. For several days ahead of the peak mudik flow, hundreds of\nresidents flocked to join the free mudik programme organised by various\nparties.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see the residents\u2019 enthusiasm. We want to share\nhappiness so they can mudik comfortably and \u2018cheerfully\u2019 in line with\nthe programme\u2019s name,\u201d said the man commonly known as Tom Liwafa.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to transportation, participants also receive supporting\nfacilities and pocket money. This makes the journey not only free but\nalso safer and more comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>For migrants, this opportunity becomes an answer to the longing that\nhas been held back for so long. Returning to the hometown is no longer\nabout costs, but about returning to the embrace of family.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/free-homecoming-journey-from-economic-policy-to-a-meaningful-return-home-1773899478",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}