Deputy Chair of People's Consultative Assembly Says Homecoming Festival Is an Opportunity to Preserve Unity and Tolerance Values

Deputy Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Lestari Moerdijat (known as Rerie), regards the Lebaran homecoming tradition as more than simply returning to one’s hometown. Rather, it should be leveraged as an opportunity to preserve values of unity and tolerance within society.

“Homecoming is not merely returning to one’s village. This is a strategic opportunity to nurture unity and tolerance, particularly when migrants reunite with the diversity in their regions of origin,” said Rerie in a statement on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

The government projects that homecoming movements this year will reach 155 million people. The peak of the homecoming rush is estimated to occur on 18 March 2026, with 21.97 million movements in a single day.

According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, 76.24 million people will use private vehicles, with 50.63 million of them travelling along toll roads.

Meanwhile, in several regions, two-wheeled vehicles remain dominant. In the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), 129,194 motorcycles were recorded entering the region at the beginning of the homecoming rush.

The Free Homecoming Programme, initiated by various private and government parties, reflects values of tolerance and familial bonds among fellow citizens, according to Lestari.

Rerie reminded homecoming travellers that their journey to their hometowns can serve as a means to reinforce national values.

“On the roads, we meet fellow homecoming travellers from diverse backgrounds. In our hometowns, we reunite with our cultural roots. Tolerance and unity must be practised, not merely discussed,” she said.

Amid current economic pressures facing society, Rerie added, the spirit of togetherness and tolerance is essential to strengthen social bonds among fellow citizens.

The member of the High Council of the National Democrat Party hoped that future generations will consistently practise and preserve the national values of the country.

Rerie stressed that national values must be utilised as a foundation for action in addressing various challenges in order to realise a better life as a nation and state in the future.