GoMudik Programme Assists 4,000 Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers to Return Home for Eid
Jakarta — Approximately 4,000 Gojek motorcycle taxi driver partners, together with their families, have been dispatched under the GoMudik programme titled “There’s Always a Way Home for Family Reunion at Our Homeland” heading to various destinations across Java and Sumatra.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated that the free homecoming programme provides special joy for the motorcycle taxi driver partners who have worked tirelessly serving the public daily.
“This GoMudik programme brings special happiness to the Gojek driver partners who have fought hard, not only earning a living for their respective families but also serving us all,” said Agus whilst launching the free mudik programme titled “GoMudik: There’s Always a Way Home for Family Reunion at Our Homeland” at the Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal in East Jakarta on Friday.
According to him, online motorcycle taxi drivers play an important role in urban life. They not only earn a living for their families but also assist public mobility through application-based transportation services. Nearly all members of society have now become users of online transportation services.
Therefore, said Agus, on the special occasion of Eid homecoming, these drivers rightly deserve the opportunity to return home more easily.
He explained that the free mudik programme aims to help reduce the burden of travel and transportation costs for online motorcycle taxi drivers who wish to return to their hometown during Eid.
“This GoMudik programme is expected to reduce or ease travel and transportation costs for driver partners who wish to return to their homeland,” said Agus.
The programme has five destination cities for mudik participants. Three of these are located on Java island: Kuningan in West Java, Semarang in Central Java, and Surabaya in East Java. Meanwhile, two other destinations are located outside Java, namely Lampung and Palembang.
He believes that mudik is not merely an annual journey but has become a distinctive Indonesian tradition laden with social and familial significance.
“The driver partners appear so enthusiastic and joyful. This mudik is not just an ordinary journey but a culture and tradition unique to Indonesia,” said Agus.
He added that the mudik occasion becomes increasingly meaningful as it takes place during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims strengthen their faith whilst reinforcing family and kinship bonds.
“Beyond strengthening faith and devotion to Allah the Almighty, Ramadan also becomes a momentum for building and strengthening ties with family and friends at our homeland,” said Agus.
Therefore, he said, the government is committed to ensuring that the mudik flow proceeds safely, smoothly, and comfortably for the public. This effort also represents direct direction from President Prabowo Subianto for all relevant parties to support the smooth running of Eid homecoming travel.
“We at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development want to ensure mudik travel proceeds safely, smoothly, and comfortably,” said Agus.
Meanwhile, GoTo Gojek Tokopedia CEO Hans Patuwo stated that the GoMudik programme was held as a form of appreciation for driver partners who work tirelessly daily serving the public. He noted that Gojek drivers continue working in various weather conditions to provide transportation services to users.
“We extend our gratitude to drivers who truly struggle every day, whether during heavy rain or under the blazing sun,” said Hans.
Hans added that daily, hundreds of thousands of driver partners serve the public in various cities. However, during the Eid al-Fitr moment, drivers also deserve the opportunity to reunite with their families.
“Once a year during Eid al-Fitr, there is a very special moment for our driver partners—the opportunity to return to their homeland and gather with their beloved families,” said Hans.
Furthermore, he explained that the GoMudik programme also results from collaboration between Gojek, GoTo, and the government, including support from the Ministry of Transportation. This collaboration aims to support the smooth flow of national mudik traffic.
He hopes that the free mudik programme can help driver partners undertake their journey more safely and comfortably whilst supporting the government’s efforts in creating an orderly and coordinated mudik flow.
“We hope driver partners and their families can return home peacefully, safely, and comfortably. This programme is also expected to support the government in creating safe, orderly, and connected mudik traffic,” said Hans.
On this occasion, he also expressed appreciation to driver partners for their dedication in serving the public throughout the year. Before departure, Hans conveyed greetings for a successful fasting period and hoped that all mudik participants would safely reach their hometowns.