Ahmad Luthfi Ensures Free Homecoming Fleet and Drivers for Central Java Are Roadworthy
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi flagged off 325 free Eid homecoming buses carrying 19,870 passengers from Jakarta to Central Java. Luthfi ensured all vehicles had undergone safety inspections, including driver health checks.
“Vehicles have been inspected thoroughly. The Metro Police have provided guidance. Drivers have been asked to check themselves first to ensure they are in good health,” Luthfi said during the passenger dispatch ceremony at the Museum Purna Bhakti Pertiwi, TMII, East Jakarta, Monday (16 March 2026).
Luthfi appealed to passengers to monitor drivers during the journey should they show signs of drowsiness. He also urged drivers not to rush whilst driving and to prioritise safety throughout the journey.
“Remind them if they feel drowsy, have them drink coffee or rest, and so on. The principle is: greetings to your family at home. Travel safely. There is no need to rush. Rushing is not pleasant,” Luthfi said.
Luthfi also advised Central Java residents participating in the Free Eid Homecoming 2026 programme to save their money since the programme covered travel costs. He urged passengers to spend their savings in Central Java to support local SMEs.
“When returning to your respective areas, whether it is Brebes, Pekalongan, Banyumas, and so on, save the money you have been given for free travel and spend it at home in your village. Let local SMEs thrive and let the community prosper. When you return to Jakarta later, we have already prepared free buses and trains for you,” Luthfi said.
Luthfi also cautioned passengers not to bring friends back to Jakarta upon returning. He was particularly concerned about bringing along those without guaranteed employment prospects.
“When returning to Jakarta, do not bring friends if their employment is not certain,” Luthfi stated.
Luthfi noted that the Central Java provincial government had prepared job opportunities for its residents so there would be no need to migrate to Jakarta without secure employment. He expressed reluctance to burden the Jakarta provincial government with Central Java residents without assured employment in the capital.
“Work in your own village with me. Do whatever work is available. I will find work for you. Rather than going to Jakarta without guaranteed employment, do not bring friends. We do not want to burden Jakarta, particularly East Jakarta, for those not ready to work,” he explained.
He elaborated that the Central Java provincial government had prepared various programmes to support residents in becoming job-ready to fill available positions. He also confirmed having instructed regents and mayors to prepare employment opportunities for their residents.
“Central Java has prepared vocational training centres, skills programmes, and so on. The Social Affairs Office and Labour Office are prepared. We will work in Central Java. For those including those from regencies and cities, the regents and mayors have prepared and are receiving them,” he added.
The dispatch of Free Eid Homecoming 2026 participants was conducted directly by Luthfi, marked by a ceremonial flag off.
The passenger dispatch took place at 10:00 WIB at the Museum Purna Bhakti Pertiwi, TMII, East Jakarta.
“In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, the 325 free homecoming buses entering Central Java are hoped to arrive safely at their destinations,” Luthfi said during the flag off.
Besides Jakarta, Luthfi noted that the Central Java provincial government’s Free Eid Homecoming programme was also being launched that day in Bandung. He also mentioned the provincial government was providing free homecoming options via train.
“Passengers are also being dispatched today by the Vice Governor in Bandung. Tomorrow, we have prepared seven free train carriages,” he explained.
The Free Homecoming Programme is a Cross-Stakeholder Collaboration
Luthfi stated that the Central Java provincial government, working with Bank Jateng and several other institutions, prepared 325 buses for free. He noted the buses would transport passengers to various cities and regencies across Central Java.
“Today we are launching the free homecoming programme of the Central Java provincial government, involving 35 cities and regencies, supported by Baznas, Bank Jateng, and Aqua,” Luthfi said.
“This represents a collaboration whereby our homecoming programme is a manifestation of the state’s commitment to facilitate and accelerate people’s movement,” he added.
He explained that homecoming participants were Central Java residents working in informal sectors in the Greater Jakarta area. He hoped the programme would help Central Java residents reunite with their families during Eid.
“On average, from these 325 buses, we have informal workers earning below Rp5 million, Rp2 million, such as meatball sellers, motorcycle taxi drivers, domestic helpers, and they are very pleased that both their homecoming and return journeys are free,” Luthfi said.
“As the provincial government and representing our regency and city counterparts, we wish to express our gratitude for this cooperation, which will certainly contribute to better economic development in their respective areas,” he concluded.