16,000 Migrants Participate in Central Java Free Travel Programme
The free travel programme organised by the Central Java Provincial Government has received support from the private sector. This collaboration represents one strategy to expand the programme’s reach whilst assisting low-income residents returning to their hometowns.
This year, Central Java’s free travel programme targets more than 16,000 migrants who will be transported to 35 cities and regencies within the province. Approximately 320 buses have been prepared to transport participants, the majority of whom are informal sector workers in Jakarta and its surroundings.
The programme is coordinated by the Central Java Provincial Liaison Agency, involving local governments, state-owned enterprises, municipal-owned enterprises, and a number of private companies. Support from the private sector generally comprises the provision of travel logistics, health support, and distribution of necessities packages for migrants.
One company involved is Bejo Jahe Merah from PT Bintang Toedjoe, which is providing support in the form of 32,000 product packages for travel programme participants. This participation reflects the company’s involvement in the free travel programme that has been running in recent years.
Andry Mahyudi, Head of OTC, Women’s Health and Natural Wellness Category at PT Bintang Toedjoe, stated that the support is related to migrants’ need to maintain their physical condition during long journeys. “Eid is always synonymous with the warmth of gathering with family. Do not let it be that when you arrive in your hometown you cannot maximise time with family because of catching a cold,” Andry said on Monday (16 March 2026).
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that cross-sector collaboration is an important factor in implementing the free travel programme. According to him, support from various parties enables more people to obtain travel facilities. “This programme not only helps people return to their hometowns, but also ensures their journey remains comfortable. We hope all travellers can maintain their health throughout the journey. Gathering with family is a very important social value, therefore maintaining stamina during the travel process is equally important,” Luthfi said.
In addition to the outbound journey, the Central Java Provincial Government has also prepared a return journey programme on 27 and 28 March 2026. This programme is coordinated with local governments in the destination areas as well as a number of professional associations.
Travel programme participants are Central Java residents working in Jakarta, particularly in the informal sector such as traders and daily workers. Registration is conducted online through the Central Java Provincial Liaison Agency.
Private sector involvement in the free travel programme reflects the trend of collaboration between local governments and the business world in supporting public mobility during the Eid period.