Central Java Provincial Government Sends Off 16,000 Free Mudik Participants at TMII
Jakarta — The Central Java Provincial Government dispatched more than 16,000 migrant workers heading home for the 2026 Eid holiday through a free mudik programme at the carpark of the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, on Monday.
“Today we, together with all district heads and mayors across Central Java as well as various stakeholders, are sending off the mudik participants. We have prepared approximately 325 buses to transport nearly 16,870 residents who will return to Central Java,” said Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi after sending off the participants at TMII.
He stated that the free mudik programme represents the regional government’s commitment to Central Javanese workers employed in other areas, including Jakarta and its surroundings.
The programme also aims to assist migrant workers, particularly those in the informal sector, to return home and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families.
According to Luthfi, the fleet size has increased compared to the previous year, which had only approximately 270 buses. “This increase is due to the growing public interest in the free mudik programme,” said Luthfi.
In addition to buses, the Central Java Provincial Government has also arranged alternative transport to assist returning workers. “Tomorrow we have also prepared seven free train carriages for residents returning home,” he said.
According to Luthfi, the government aims to reduce the economic burden on migrant workers so they can still celebrate Eid with their families.
“These are informal workers striving away from home. The state must be present among the people to help them return home,” he said.
The Central Java Provincial Government, together with all district and city governments across Central Java, is involved in this programme. The authorities have prepared various facilities to welcome the returning workers.
Additionally, registration for the free mudik programme is conducted online through an application provided by the regional government.
“Registration has been carried out online through the application. Everything is arranged through a clear system,” said Luthfi.
He hopes that the free mudik programme will assist the community whilst strengthening the tradition of mudik as a moment of family gathering during Eid.
“Apart from visiting one another, there is also the movement of people, goods and money in the region, which will certainly stimulate the local economy,” he said.
Attending the send-off of the free Eid mudik participants were all district heads and mayors of Central Java Province, representatives from the Central Java Provincial Legislative Council, and East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin.