326 Free Mudik Buses Dispatched from TMII, Transporting Nearly 20,000 Central Java Migrants
JAKARTA – A total of 326 coach buses were dispatched in a free homecoming programme for migrants from Central Java originating from the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) area in East Jakarta on Monday morning (16 March 2026).
The programme, titled “Mudik Gampang Balik Tenang” (Easy Homecoming, Peaceful Return), was formally launched by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi at the grounds of the Museum Purna Bhakti Pertiwi located within the TMII complex.
Under the programme, tens of thousands of Central Java migrants in the Greater Jakarta area were provided free transportation to return to their home villages without bearing travel costs.
Luthfi noted that public enthusiasm for this year’s free homecoming programme increased significantly compared to the previous year. Last year, the government provided approximately 270 buses, whilst this year the number increased to 326 buses.
“We have prepared almost 326 buses today, and they can transport nearly 19,870 of our people who will travel home to Central Java. We have also prepared seven free railway carriages for tomorrow,” said Luthfi.
The programme specifically targets informal sector workers who have migrated to the capital and surrounding areas. This group typically struggles to afford transport ticket prices, which surge ahead of Lebaran.
“Our homebound travellers are informal workers – there are meatball vendors, motorcycle taxi drivers, domestic helpers, small restaurant operators, construction labourers, students, and people with disabilities. We open this for everyone to ease the burden on our people living away from home, so that they are treated as foreign exchange heroes in their respective regions,” he said.
For example, travel ticket costs to the Boyolali area in Central Java can reach approximately IDR 650,000 for a single journey.
Luthfi also urged migrants to save money from the free travel tickets rather than spending it in Jakarta, and instead use it in their home regions to stimulate local economies.
“When you return to your respective areas – whether Brebes, Pekalongan, Banyumas, and so on – save the money you saved on tickets for your next return trip. Shop at home, in your village. Let small and medium enterprises survive, let the people prosper,” he said.
Luthfi also ensured that the physical condition of bus drivers transporting the migrants had been checked before departure.
“Have the drivers checked first to make sure they are healthy. Remind them to drink coffee if they get sleepy. The principle is – send greetings to the family at home. Health greetings. No need to rush. Rushing isn’t good,” he said.