Child-Friendly Homecoming Travel Becomes Minimum Standard for Lebaran 2026 Migration Season

The annual homecoming migration is not merely about the movement of people from cities back to their hometowns, but also about ensuring that the journey can be undertaken safely and comfortably by all family members, including children.

This year, various efforts have been evident at numerous transport points to ensure a more child-friendly homecoming experience. At terminals, stations, and departure lounges, attention to children’s needs has become more apparent. The government, through various ministries, has been present to inspect conditions on the ground whilst ensuring that available facilities support family travel comfort.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli inspected the Integrated Terminal at Pulo Gebang in East Jakarta to directly assess the readiness of infrastructure used by homebound travellers. This monitoring was conducted to ensure that transport services operate smoothly, including providing a sense of security for families travelling with children. He assessed facility readiness and passenger flow management as important factors in preventing excessive crowding that could impact comfort, particularly for children. The terminal serves as a significant departure point for homebound travellers, including families with children. Facility conditions, passenger flow, and the comfort of waiting areas are all monitored to ensure that the journey does not cause excessive fatigue, especially for children.

Meanwhile, at Kampung Rambutan Terminal, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, focused on childcare aspects during the homecoming journey. In her visit, she encouraged parents to be more judicious in regulating children’s social media use. This restriction is considered important to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate content and to reduce over-reliance on devices during travel.

She also emphasised that the homecoming journey can be utilised as a space for more intensive interaction between parent and child. Parental involvement in accompanying children during travel can provide a sense of security whilst strengthening emotional bonds within the family.

This message was reinforced on another occasion when Minister Arifah encouraged parents to make the homecoming moment quality time with their children. She views the journey home as a rare opportunity in daily routines that should be used to build closer and warmer communication.

This approach emphasises the importance of direct interaction between parent and child during homecoming. Long journeys are seen as an opportunity to strengthen family relationships, rather than merely time spent looking at mobile phone screens. Parents are encouraged to be more present, engage children in conversation, or undertake simple activities that make the journey feel warmer.