Government Message to Mudik Bus Drivers Ahead of Eid Holiday
Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has reminded long-distance bus drivers participating in the Health Ministry’s mudik programme to maintain their physical condition during travel to ensure the safety of passengers returning home for Eid.
Dante delivered this message whilst seeing off the Health Ministry’s mudik programme departure from the ministry’s headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026. “To the drivers, perform stretches and rest every four hours. Safety is paramount,” Dante said.
Through the programme, the Health Ministry is deploying 1,126 participants using 26 bus fleets heading to several cities on the islands of Java and Sumatra, including Padang, Bukittinggi, Palembang, Malang, Surabaya, Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Purworejo and Medan.
Dante noted that mudik is not merely a journey home to one’s hometown, but also an emotional moment to reunite with family after a long separation. “Mudik is not just returning to one’s hometown, but a homecoming from the heart. We return to meet our families with warmth after being apart from them for some time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry Secretary General Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha stated that the mudik programme is accompanied by various health examinations, including for drivers. According to Kunta, drivers have undergone health checks since the beginning to ensure they are fit to drive.
“There are free health checks, including for drivers. They undergo health screening to ensure there is no consumption of narcotics or alcohol, as well as mental health examinations,” Kunta said.
The Health Ministry has also coordinated with various parties to ensure readiness of health services throughout the mudik route, including at rest areas and other health service points.
Acting Director General for Disease Control Andi Saguni reminded travellers to maintain their health during travel, particularly those travelling with young children.
He highlighted the potential transmission of contagious diseases such as measles, which can spread rapidly in crowded places. “If a child becomes ill, it is best to postpone travel until they are fully recovered to avoid transmitting the disease to others,” Andi said.