Banjarmasin City Government Dispatches Hundreds in Free Mudik Programme

Banjarmasin — The Banjarmasin City Government in South Kalimantan has dispatched hundreds of residents through a free mudik (homecoming) programme to various regions for the Idul Fitri 1447 H/2026 M celebration.

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR stated in Banjarmasin on Sunday that the free mudik programme is intended to help ease the travel costs for residents who wish to return to their home villages during the Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) holidays.

“Certainly, we are grateful for the free mudik initiative launched by the Banjarmasin City Government’s Transportation Department. We hope this can provide relief for our residents living in Banjarmasin who originate from surrounding regencies or cities,” he said.

He revealed that in this year’s inaugural implementation, the free mudik programme provided a quota of 200 people. Following the verification process, approximately 86 per cent of the quota has been utilised by residents.

According to Yamin, the high level of public interest serves as an evaluation basis for enhancing the programme in future years.

“Our hope is that the quota can be increased and further improved in the future. With just 200 quotas already reaching approximately 86 per cent utilisation, hopefully we can maximise it further in the coming years, as this is the first time we are implementing it,” he said.

According to Yamin, the city government is operating five bus units for the free mudik programme, serving two main routes from Banjarmasin to various areas in South Kalimantan.

The first route goes to northern regions such as Banjarmasin to the Banua Anam area, which is at the furthest point of Tabalong Regency, with stopover points at Binuang, Rantau, Kandangan, Barabai and Balangan.

Meanwhile, the second route covers Banjarmasin to coastal regions such as Tanah Bumbu and Kotabaru.

The free mudik programme represents the government’s effort to enable residents to return to their home villages safely and in an organised manner.

According to him, the programme is part of the government’s effort to address residents’ needs, as they have historically faced high travel costs during the mudik season.

“The free mudik programme allows residents to return home safely and properly without being burdened by high travel costs. We hope they arrive at their destinations and can enjoy happiness gathering with family in their home villages,” he said.