Central Java Governor Sends Off Participants of Free Return to Hometown Programme
Luthfi explained that the Free Return to Hometown Programme is facilitated by train and bus transport. Specifically today, the departure was conducted by train from Tawang Station. A total of 320 passengers were sent off using four train carriages.
“This programme is part of the service scheme of the Central Java Provincial Government together with several district/city governments, Bank Jateng, and other stakeholders,” Luthfi said in a written statement on Friday (27/3/2026).
According to him, free transportation assistance is very meaningful for residents working in the informal sector. This is because it can alleviate their budget burden during the homecoming moment to their hometowns.
“Those who have already returned home to Central Java and shopped in their respective villages, when they go back, their money is already thin. Therefore, with the Free Return to Hometown Programme, they are very pleased,” he stated.
Luthfi said this programme represents the presence of the Central Java Provincial Government amid the needs of the community, especially the informal worker group.
On that occasion, Luthfi hoped that Central Java residents returning to work in other regions would continue to maintain their spirit, work hard, and obey the law. According to him, families in the hometowns place great hopes on them.
He added that the character of Central Java society, which is harmonious, peaceful, diligent in working, and upholds tolerance, must be continuously maintained.
“That character serves as social capital when returning to other regions,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the Free Return to Hometown Programme participants, Susanto, admitted to being pleased with the programme because it helps his family’s expenses. This year, he returned home with his wife and two children.
“This saves a lot, helping us to cut down on expenses,” said the resident from Pati who is heading to Bekasi for work.
He stated that he has enjoyed the programme several times before, but previously always using bus fleets. As for this return journey by train, it is the first experience for his family.
Susanto admitted to being pleased because his two children could experience long-distance train travel for the first time.
“I’m happy because I can take the children who have never ridden a train before,” he said.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Nani Rusmalani, a migrant from Demak who usually lives in Bogor. She, along with her husband Zainal Mubarok, is participating in the free train return programme for the first time.
According to Nani, previously when returning home to her hometown, she travelled by bus. Therefore, this experience of joining the free return by train feels different and enjoyable.
“This is the first time joining the free train return. Last time returning home, we took the bus. The experience is exciting,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zainal Mubarok admitted that he usually returns home independently with travel costs that are not insignificant. Therefore, the Free Return to Hometown Programme is very helpful economically.
“Usually, general homecoming costs up to Rp1 million per person. So this is very helpful,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Central Java Provincial Government and hopes that in the future, the number of carriages provided for the free homecoming and return programmes can be increased.
“I thank Mr Luthfi for his support. Hopefully in the future, more carriages will be provided for the free homecoming,” he concluded.