Central Java Governor: Free Return Migration Programme Eases Burden on Workers

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi views the 2026 Free Return Migration Programme organised by the Central Java Provincial Government as an effort to ease the burden on migrant workers while ensuring safe and orderly return flows.

“This programme represents the presence of the state, not only during the homecoming but also on the return journey, with the aim of lightening the burden on the community,” he said while releasing the Free Return Migration fleet in a hybrid manner at the Donohudan Haji Dormitory in Boyolali Regency, and in several areas, including the Bulupitu Bus Terminal in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, on Saturday.

He stated that the free homecoming and return programme targets informal sector workers such as traders, factory labourers, and online motorcycle taxi drivers, so they can return to their hometowns and back to their places of work without being burdened by transportation costs.

According to him, the programme also has an economic impact on the areas of origin, as the migrants bring their earnings to meet family needs during their time in the hometown.

“This, on one hand, can lighten the burden on the community, and on the other hand, the economy in Central Java will also develop,” he said.

In addition, he said, the coordinated implementation of homecoming and return flows through this programme also helps reduce traffic density and curb accident potentials at vulnerable points.

With organised group travel arrangements, traffic flow becomes more monitored, concentrated, and controlled, thereby minimising the emergence of congestion hotspots or accidents.

He also reminded the returnees to their destinations to uphold the good name of Central Java by working hard, upholding courtesy, and strengthening tolerance.

“Maintain the dignity of Central Java as hardworking, courteous, and tolerant workers, and remember that family in the hometown is always waiting to reunite,” said the Governor.

Meanwhile, in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono said the 2026 Free Return Migration Programme has received a positive response from the community and is able to assist the smooth flow of return traffic.

“Alhamdulillah, today it was dispatched from Bulupitu Terminal, not only from Banyumas but also from agglomeration areas such as Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Kebumen, and Cilacap,” he said.

He mentioned that a total of 21 buses were dispatched with 1,047 passengers.

Specifically from Banyumas Regency, his side prepared six buses consisting of two units from the local government and four units from corporate social responsibility (CSR) support.

“From Banyumas, there are six buses, two from the local government, four from CSR, namely PDAM two buses, Bank Jateng one bus, and Baznas one bus,” he explained.

According to him, the programme not only eases the economic burden on the community but also impacts the reduction of traffic density because the journeys are carried out in a coordinated manner.

“If there are buses provided by the government, of course the traffic density can be reduced, then the journey is also safer and more comfortable. The important thing is that it’s free,” he said.

According to him, the Central Java Provincial Government also provides free return facilities via train transportation, so options for the community are more diverse.

Regarding the possibility of increasing quotas in the coming year, the Regent said it would be further studied according to budget capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Banyumas City Police Resort (Polresta), Commissioner General of Police Petrus P Silalahi, said that most of the buses dispatched from Bulupitu Terminal are heading to Jakarta, while two other buses are heading to Bandung.

He assured security and smooth return flow through this programme.

In this regard, his side has carried out arrangements and security to facilitate traffic flow and provide a sense of safety for the returnees.

“We are carrying out security and arrangements to speed up the flow, so there are no obstacles, and to ensure the returnees are safe and comfortable during the journey,” he said.