Free Homecoming Journey: From Economic Policy to a Meaningful Return Home
SURABAYA, KOMPAS.com - The free mudik programme is no longer merely seen as seasonal transport assistance. Behind it lies an important role in maintaining public welfare while boosting economic circulation.
A lecturer in Financial Management from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Dinamika University, Rudi Santoso, views free mudik as a form of socio-economic intervention with broad impacts.
“The free mudik programme is essentially a redistribution of benefits to the public. Transportation costs that usually rise ahead of Eid can become a significant burden,” said the lecturer, commonly known as Rudi, to Kompas.com.
“With this programme, people can redirect their spending to other more productive needs,” he added.
Not only that, the mudik flow also promotes economic activity distribution. The movement of people from cities to regions triggers money circulation in various sectors, from MSMEs and local trade to tourism.
“In this context, mudik is not just a social phenomenon but also a significant seasonal economic distribution mechanism,” said Rudi Santoso.
Nevertheless, he reminded the importance of targeted management to ensure the programme’s benefits are truly optimal.
“Integration of recipient data and coordination between institutions are key to making this programme not only socially popular but also economically effective,” he continued.
The implementation of this programme is evident in the City of Heroes. For several days ahead of the peak mudik flow, hundreds of residents flocked to join the free mudik programme organised by various parties.
“I’m pleased to see the residents’ enthusiasm. We want to share happiness so they can mudik comfortably and ‘cheerfully’ in line with the programme’s name,” said the man commonly known as Tom Liwafa.
In addition to transportation, participants also receive supporting facilities and pocket money. This makes the journey not only free but also safer and more comfortable.
For migrants, this opportunity becomes an answer to the longing that has been held back for so long. Returning to the hometown is no longer about costs, but about returning to the embrace of family.