Governor Ahmad Luthfi Sends Off 16,186 Free Homecoming Passengers to Central Java
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi ceremonially dispatched 325 bus convoys transporting tens of thousands of homecoming passengers from Greater Jakarta to 35 districts and cities across Central Java. The departure ceremony took place at the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, on Monday, 16 March.
“Today we have prepared 325 bus convoys capable of transporting 16,186 residents returning to Central Java. Additionally, Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen will dispatch further convoys from Bandung today. Tomorrow, we will also launch free homecoming services by railway,” Luthfi stated.
The free homecoming programme, branded “Easy Homecoming, Peaceful Return,” represents a collaborative initiative between the Central Java Provincial Government, 35 local government administrations, Bank Jateng, and private sector partners to support residents returning to their hometowns.
The programme primarily benefits Central Java residents working in the informal sector in Greater Jakarta, including street food vendors, ride-hailing drivers, small restaurant workers, domestic helpers, and transport workers.
“We welcome everyone without discrimination—this represents the state’s presence amongst the people, offering assistance to those living far from home,” Luthfi remarked.
The governor highlighted that Central Java residents working abroad represent valuable economic contributors to their regions. Beyond family visits, their homecoming generates circulation of people, goods, and money within their local areas. Consequently, the provincial government has made it a priority to support residents returning to their hometowns.
Luthfi advised all homecoming travellers not to bring relatives or acquaintances to Greater Jakarta unless they have secured stable employment.
“We do not wish to burden Jakarta and its surroundings with unprepared workers. Central Java has established vocational training centres, technical schools, and other facilities—people should seek work in Central Java itself,” he stated.
Alongside preparing convoys for the homecoming journey, the provincial government has also arranged equivalent transport capacity for the return journey. Departures will be coordinated from the Donohudan Hajj Hostel in Boyolali and several other departure points, including railway services transporting passengers back to Greater Jakarta.
“Registration is managed entirely online through a dedicated application,” he added.
Sugiyanto, a disabled homecoming passenger, expressed gratitude for the free homecoming programme provided by the Central Java Provincial Government.
“Travelling to the Surakarta region during Eid usually costs approximately 650,000 rupiah per person. This programme is tremendously helpful,” said the man preparing to return to Klego, Boyolali.