Central Java Government Prepares 346 Buses and 17 Train Sets to Facilitate Free Mudik
The Central Java Provincial Government is preparing a free homecoming programme for Central Java residents working in Jakarta and Bandung to return to their home villages during Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Based on data from the Central Java Provincial Liaison Agency, the free mudik programme will be implemented on 16 and 17 March 2026, providing hundreds of buses and trains.
For bus transportation, Central Java Provincial Government has prepared a total of 346 buses to be dispatched on 16 March 2026. Specifically, 323 buses with 16,086 seats will depart from Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta, whilst 23 buses with 1,133 seats will depart from Bandung.
In addition to buses, free homecoming will also be facilitated using train transportation departing on 17 March 2026. There are a total of 17 train sets with a capacity of 1,288 seats. Specifically, 8 train sets or 576 seats using the Jaka Tingkir train will depart from Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta to Solo Balapan Station, plus 1 additional train set with 72 seats.
Additionally, 8 train sets with a capacity of 640 seats using the Tawang Jaya train have been prepared departing from Pasar Senen Station to Poncol Station in Semarang.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi requested regents and mayors to welcome the returning migrants upon arrival in their respective regions. “I ask the regents and mayors to pick up and greet the people returning to their home villages. They are our representatives abroad and most of them are informal workers,” said Luthfi during a cross-sectoral meeting on preparations for the homecoming season and Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building on Monday (9 March).
In addition to the free mudik programme, Central Java Provincial Government also provided free return migration facilities after Eid. For train transportation, departures are scheduled on 27 March 2026 from Tawang Station in Semarang with 4 train sets and a capacity of 320 seats.
Meanwhile, the return migration programme using buses will be implemented on 28 March 2026 from three main points, namely the Donohudan Hajj Dormitory in Boyolali, Mangkang Terminal in Semarang, and Bulupitu Terminal in Banyumas. Additionally, there are independent departures from Magelang, Blora, and Kendal regencies. A total of 71 buses with a capacity of 3,550 seats have been prepared for the return migration programme. “We provide the best service to our people; this is a manifestation of our dedication,” said Luthfi.
Head of the Central Java Provincial Transportation Office Arief Djatmiko stated that the free mudik-return programme also aims to reduce potential congestion and road accidents during the Eid homecoming surge.
According to him, many migrants have been using motorcycles for long-distance travel. “This free mudik programme from Central Java Provincial Government is also being integrated with programmes from ministries and the private sector to avoid duplicate registrations, so that no buses remain empty,” he said.