Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi Urges Migrant Workers Not to Bring Families Back to Jakarta After Mudik

Jakarta — Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has cautioned residents participating in the free mudik (homecoming) programme not to bring relatives or friends back to Jakarta after the Lebaran holiday break.

Luthfi made the statement whilst dispatching the 2026 Free Lebaran Mudik convoy at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta on Monday (16 March 2026).

According to Luthfi, the common practice of bringing friends and family members back after Lebaran compounds Jakarta’s demographic burden and increases unemployment figures in the capital. He noted that many people migrate to Jakarta despite lacking any skills or confirmed employment prospects.

“So when you return, don’t bring people along if they don’t have guaranteed work here. We don’t want to burden Jakarta, especially those who aren’t ready for employment,” Luthfi said.

This situation risks leaving job seekers without clear prospects in the city.

The Central Java Provincial Government has claimed to have prepared several labour absorption programmes in the region. Consequently, residents need not travel far to Jakarta to seek employment.

“Central Java has already prepared vocational Job Training Centres (BLK) and other facilities. Our Social and Labour Services departments are ready. We can work in Central Java itself,” Luthfi stated.

“Work in your respective regions. The regents and mayors will take responsibility for our people,” he added.

A total of 326 tourist buses were dispatched for the free mudik programme from TMII. Luthfi saw off tens of thousands of Central Javanese migrants living in the Jabodetabek region returning to their hometowns through the “Easy Mudik, Peaceful Return” programme.

“This free mudik is a manifestation of the state’s presence and attention to all of you. Why? Because everything is free for residents,” Luthfi said during his remarks at the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum at TMII on Monday.