Central Java Provincial Government Readies 346 Buses for Free Homecoming Travel

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi announced in Semarang on Tuesday that the annual free homecoming programme is designed to facilitate Central Java residents working abroad to return to their hometowns during Eid al-Fitr.

According to him, the free round-trip bus service will depart on 16 March from Jakarta and Bandung. The breakdown includes 323 buses with 16,086 seats departing from Jakarta’s TMII (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah) point, and 23 buses with 1,133 seats from Bandung.

Free train travel will commence on 17 March 2026, with a total of 17 train sets offering 1,288 seats, split into two departures. Eight train sets (576 seats) will operate from Jakarta’s Pasar Senen Station to Solo Balapan Station using the Jaka Tingkir train, plus one additional train set with 72 seats. The second service comprises eight train sets (640 seats) from Pasar Senen Station to Poncol Station in Semarang using the Tawang Jaya train.

Luthfi requested that regents and mayors personally receive travellers at their destinations and greet the residents returning home, describing them as the region’s representatives abroad, many of whom work in informal sectors.

The provincial government has also arranged free return trips using trains on 27 March 2026 from Semarang’s Tawang Station with four train sets totalling 320 seats. Return bus services on 28 March 2026 will depart from three main points: Donohudan Pilgrimage Hostel (Boyolali), Mangkang Terminal (Semarang), and Bulupitu Terminal (Banyumas), plus independent departures from Magelang, Blora, and Kendal regencies, totalling 71 buses with 3,550 seats.

“We provide the best service for our people, this is a form of our dedication,” the governor stated.

Central Java Transportation Department Head Arief Djatmiko noted that the free homecoming programme aims to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents, as many migrants previously travelled by motorcycle. The department is working to integrate the programme with ministries and private sector partners to prevent duplicate registrations and ensure full bus capacity utilisation.