Andre Rosiade Dispatches 100 Mudik Buses for 'Pulang Basamo 2026' Wave I
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, officially launched the free mudik programme ‘Pulang Basamo 2026’ at the DPR RI Complex, Central Jakarta. A total of 100 buses were dispatched today to transport mudik travellers from Jakarta to West Sumatra.
Detikcom observed at the location on Sunday (8 March 2026) that Pulang Basamo 2026’s launch took place at 10:38 WIB. As the flag-off was raised, buses departed one by one. The atmosphere grew livelier as the klaxon horns blared in unison.
Andre said this year’s Pulang Basamo is the fourth edition since it was first held in 2023. He expressed gratitude that the programme has helped the people of West Sumatra who want to go home.
‘Alhamdulillah, this has run well and helps the people of West Sumatra who want to mudik back home,’ he said.
He added the programme also stimulates economic growth in West Sumatra. Therefore the government provides free mudik for West Sumatra residents.
‘Because, to be frank, the economy of West Sumatra is the second-worst among Sumatra. The Chief of Police knows West Sumatra’s economic growth is only 3.3% per year, while inflation is 6%,’ he explained.
‘Through mudik, my hope is that travellers also bring home money to help our brothers and sisters in the villages,’ he continued.
Andre noted that the programme has proven to mobilise the economy in West Sumatra. West Sumatra residents working in Jakarta and the surrounding areas help growth there.
‘Alhamdulillah, for now these mudik travellers, the Police Chief, and the Directors, this is what helps the economy of West Sumatra. Because each year the Minangkabau diaspora sends around 20 trillion rupiah back to the homeland. So the diaspora’s money helps West Sumatra’s economic growth,’ he said.
‘If there isn’t money from the Minangkabau diaspora, perhaps West Sumatra’s growth would be only around 2%, not reaching 3.3%, which is far below the national economic growth,’ he added.
He also described Pulang Basamo as part of President Prabowo’s commitment to assist people who want to mudik. He said all Gerindra cadres have pledged to realise this.
‘This event is part of the President’s commitment. President Prabowo has indeed instructed all his cadres to work hard to assist the people. And this is the President’s commitment to continue and organise the event every year to help people who want to return home,’ he said.
The free mudik ‘Pulang Basamo 2026’ is divided into two waves. The first wave departed today, 8 March, and the second wave will depart on 15 March next week.
Andre said a total of 12,000 mudik travellers will participate in Pulang Basamo 2026. The second wave will be dispatched with 150 buses.
‘Today the majority of travellers are students; next week they will be mostly workers,’ he said.