Government Strategy to Serve 143 Million Homebound Travellers, Fare Discounts and Disaster Relief Units on Standby
Jakarta — The prospect of horrendous traffic congestion and extended fatigue on homebound routes has prompted the government to take decisive action this year.
Under the direct instruction of President Prabowo Subianto, the state is present during the most emotionally significant moment for Indonesian society — returning to one’s hometown.
At the launch of the Mudik Gesit 2026 KG Media Group team, Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) affirmed that the physical readiness of roads from Java to Sumatra has reached prime condition. However, the focus this year is the government’s effort to reduce travel costs to make them more affordable for ordinary citizens.
According to AHY, this incentive is an explicit instruction from President Prabowo. Toll road fare discounts, maritime tickets, rail services, and air fares have been prepared to ease the transport burden on the public. Amid predictions of a mobility surge reaching 143.9 million people, this price intervention provides relief amid concerns about rising living costs.
Beyond ensuring smooth traffic flow, extreme weather poses a serious anticipated challenge. Tidal flooding and high rainfall at vulnerable locations have not escaped government mapping. The government has placed Disaster Relief Units (DRU) under the command of the Public Works Ministry on standby to respond rapidly in case of disaster.
AHY also reminded that 52 per cent of homebound travellers are predicted to use private vehicles, including motorcycles. “Don’t rush. Remember, there is family waiting for us to arrive safely at our hometown. We advise travellers to take a break if tired, don’t force it,” he said.
On the other hand, collaboration between the government and mass media has become crucial to ensure information reaches homebound travellers in real time. KG Media CEO Andy Budiman stated his commitment to overseeing the movement of millions through teams deployed to various strategic points. “This synergy is expected to help the government achieve the ideal target during every homecoming season, namely zero accidents,” he concluded.