Free Mudik Programme Becomes Ground for Extortion; Transport Deputy Minister Vows Firm Action
Deputy Transport Minister Suntana has pledged to investigate allegations of extortion (pungli) in the government’s free mudik maritime programme at Nusantara Port in Kendari, South Sulawesi. The investigation will ensure that the homecoming transport services operate in accordance with regulations and remain genuinely free of charge for the public.
“We will investigate the matter,” Suntana stated when asked on Saturday.
The alleged extortion was reportedly occurring in the free maritime mudik programme operating the Kendari–Muna–Baubau route. The government has emphasised that it will take firm action if violations are discovered during programme implementation.
Suntana stressed that all free mudik services provided by the government constitute state-funded public services, and the public should not be charged any fees whatsoever.
He explained that the free mudik programme is offered through various transport modes, including air, maritime, and rail services, to assist the public in undertaking safe and comfortable Eid travel.
“The government provides free mudik services across several sectors, such as air, maritime, and rail. If there are any irregularities, we will take action and promptly address them,” he asserted.
Beyond penalising those responsible for violations, the government will also ensure that all potential breaches are immediately remedied so that the free mudik programme continues to achieve its original objective: providing accessible transport for the public during the 1447 Hijri Eid homecoming period.
“If any public service fails to operate properly, we will certainly take firm action,” Suntana said.
Furthermore, he noted that the government’s free mudik programme has reached various regions across Indonesia, including several areas in Sulawesi.
“Members of Commission V of the People’s Consultative Assembly have also reported that this free mudik programme has reached Sulawesi,” the Deputy Transport Minister stated.
Suntana reiterated that all government mudik programmes are provided without charge, and any individual engaging in extortion will face strict penalties to maintain safe, comfortable, and transparent services for the public.
As part of the programme, the Directorate General of Maritime Transport at the Transport Ministry has prepared approximately 6,000 free vessel tickets for members of the public wishing to undertake mudik via the Kendari-Raha-Baubau route in South Sulawesi Province.
The free ticket quota covers travel routes including Kendari-Raha, Raha-Kendari, Kendari-Baubau, and Baubau-Kendari.
Previously, various reports from Kendari indicated alleged extortion targeting prospective passengers in the Transport Ministry’s free mudik programme at Nusantara Port, Kandai District, Kendari. Several prospective passengers reported being asked for 12,000 rupiah, despite having been registered as recipients of free mudik tickets.
Homecoming travellers are transported by bus, whilst their motorcycles are transported by truck. The Central Board of the Alumni Association of the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PB IKA PMII), through the National Independence Movement (Gerakin), has launched free mudik services ahead of Eid al-Fitr. A total of 200 programme participants will depart on Sunday (15 March) from Makassar Port bound for Surabaya, using vessel KM Labobar.
The Transport Ministry has provided fast vessels as part of the free mudik and return flow programme. Transport observer Haris Muhammadun has requested that the government begin implementing a ban on motorcycle usage for the 2026 Eid mudik travels.