Behind the Post-Eid Exodus: Appeals Not to Bring Family to Jakarta Without Job Security
JAKARTA — The Jakarta Provincial Government and Central Java Provincial Government have jointly reminded the public concerning population mobility patterns following the 2026 Eid exodus.
Both governments have highlighted the practice of some migrants returning to the capital by bringing relatives or acquaintances without job security, a trend deemed potentially exacerbating social problems and unemployment in major cities.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi explicitly cautioned residents participating in the free Eid exodus programme against bringing family members or friends back to Jakarta should they lack secure employment.
The appeal was conveyed whilst sending off a convoy of 326 buses for the 2026 Free Eid Exodus at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, on Monday (16 March 2026).
According to Luthfi, such practices risk increasing demographic burden on Jakarta whilst simultaneously raising new unemployment figures. This situation also leaves migrants’ prospects uncertain.
“For everyone returning to Jakarta, do not bring friends or family if employment is uncertain or if capability has not been established. Simply work in your own hometown,” Luthfi stated.
Luthfi further cautioned against burdening other regions such as Jakarta if unprepared for employment.
As an alternative, the Central Java Provincial Government claims to have prepared several employment absorption programmes in the region, enabling residents to avoid seeking fortune far from the capital.
“Central Java has prepared Vocational Skills Training Centres (BLK) and similar facilities. Our Social Service and Labour Service departments are prepared. Let us work in Central Java itself. Work in your respective regions; district heads and city mayors will subsequently be responsible for assisting our people,” Luthfi explained.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Pramono stated: “I still encourage the exodus to Jakarta so that fuel is not wasted elsewhere, and hopefully this can proceed smoothly,” when encountered in the Srengseng area, South Jakarta (6 March 2026).
Nevertheless, Pramono affirmed that fuel availability in Jakarta, as a priority energy distribution region, remains secure to date.
Fuel stock management is conducted jointly between the Jakarta Provincial Government and the central government. Consequently, the public has been advised against panic buying.
“All fuel stocks in Jakarta are certainly managed jointly with the central government. They are not managed solely by the provincial administration. However, they are managed together. Because I am confident that panic buying concerning fuel will not occur in Jakarta,” Pramono stated.