2,070 residents from disaster-affected areas in Aceh benefit from free homecoming programme
The Aceh Government has launched a free homecoming programme to assist the public, announced Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (known as Mualem) in Banda Aceh on Sunday.
The Governor flagged off the first convoy for the Aceh Government’s free homecoming programme and distributed welfare allowances to orphaned children at the Trans Koetaradja Depot, Banda Aceh’s Class A Terminal.
The Aceh Transportation Agency has prepared 122 vehicles comprising 27 large buses and 95 Hiace minibuses across 18 routes to various districts and cities in Aceh, particularly regions previously affected by hydrometeorological disasters.
The Governor emphasised that the free homecoming programme is designed to assist the public in managing high travel costs whilst reducing reliance on private vehicles, which could increase road accident risks during the Eid holiday travel period.
The programme is also expected to support regional inflation control by ensuring smooth distribution and public mobility during the Idul Fitri holiday period.
Additionally, Mualem reminded drivers to exercise caution whilst driving and prioritise passenger safety during their journeys. “If tired, rest. Prioritise safety on the road. Your families are waiting in your hometowns. Our regards to families in their hometowns,” Mualem said.
According to Faisal, public enthusiasm for the programme has been considerable, evident from 3,328 registered participants through the online registration system at seulamat.dishubaceh.com, whilst only 2,070 quota places are available for land transport.
Beyond the Aceh Government’s services, this year’s free homecoming programme also receives support from the Ministry of Transport and state-owned enterprises through land transport services with approximately 709 quota places.
For archipelago areas, free homecoming services are provided through maritime transport with eight shipping routes using ro-ro and fast ferries, offering a total capacity of 3,642 passengers.
“With support from various parties, the total free homecoming quota available in Aceh this year reaches 6,421 people,” he said.