Ahmad Luthfi Also Prepares Free Return Journey for Central Java Residents, Here Are the Locations
The Central Java Provincial Government is conducting a free Eid homecoming (Mudik Lebaran Gratis) programme in 2026. In addition to the free homecoming journey, the provincial government has also prepared a free return journey programme.
“We are preparing the return journey at the provincial government level; all districts and cities have made preparations,” said Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi whilst flagging off participants of the free Eid homecoming 2026 at Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, on Monday (16 March 2026).
Luthfi explained that buses transporting return journey participants will be stationed at strategic points across cities and regencies in Central Java to facilitate residents’ travel. “For example, bakso seller spots in the Wonogiri area, noodle stall spots in Tegal. Then various regencies like Brebes are also preparing. They are taking their own initiatives with the hope that our community will not have problems when returning,” Luthfi said.
He explained that registration can be done through the JNN (Jateng Ngopeni Nglakoni) application, which will provide complete information about the free return journey programme. Luthfi noted that the free homecoming fleet prepared by the Central Java Provincial Government has increased from last year. He said that interest among homecoming travellers to participate in the free journey has also risen, with total participants reaching 19,870.
“Compared to last year today has increased. Whereas previously there were around 270, now there are 325. This means, firstly, we are improving services. Secondly, the public is more interested – it is free after all,” Luthfi stated.
The flagging off of the free Eid homecoming 2026 participants was carried out directly by Luthfi, marked with a flag-off ceremony. The flagging off took place at 10:00 WIB at Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta.
“With the blessing of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, the 325 free Eid homecoming buses will enter the Central Java region; may they arrive safely at their destinations,” Luthfi said during the send-off.
Luthfi stated that the Central Java Provincial Government, together with Bank Jateng and several other institutions, has prepared 325 buses free of charge. He said these buses will transport homecoming travellers to various cities and regencies in Central Java.
“So today we are conducting the free homecoming programme of the Central Java Provincial Government, participated in by 35 regencies and cities, supported by Baznas, Bank Jateng, including Aqua,” Luthfi explained.
“This is a collaboration where our homecoming programme is a manifestation of the state’s presence to facilitate and expedite population mobility,” he added.
He explained that homecoming participants are Central Java residents working in the informal sector in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek). He hopes the programme will help Central Java residents reunite with their families during Eid.
“On average, the residents on these 325 buses are informal workers earning below 5 million rupiah, around 2 million rupiah – bakso sellers, motorcycle taxi drivers, domestic helpers – and they are very pleased that their homecoming and return journey are free,” Luthfi said.
“This is our gratitude, as the provincial government and representing colleagues from regencies and cities, for this cooperation, which will certainly improve economic development in their respective regions,” he concluded.