Gus Yasin Closes Free Homecoming Initiative in Central Java, Hundreds of Travellers Dispatched

The despatch of eight train carriages was carried out directly by Central Java’s Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen (Gus Yasin) on Tuesday evening (17 March), with the route running along the northern coast from Jakarta to Semarang.

“Alhamdulillah, today we have completed the despatch of homecoming travellers,” he stated in a written statement on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

He noted that mudik participants came from various areas in Central Java, including Pekalongan, Brebes, Tegal, Kendal, Semarang, and Pati. According to him, this programme is not merely a transport facility, but also an opportunity for migrant workers to reunite with their families, including travellers with disabilities who were also accommodated.

At the destination stations, the Central Java Provincial Government also deployed medical teams to anticipate any health needs of travellers following the long journey. Gus Yasin also reminded travellers to ensure their homes remained secure and to maintain their health during their travels in the month of Ramadan.

One participant, Uyung Lestari (40), a private sector worker from Pati, said this was her first time participating in the free mudik programme with her family. She felt the programme was highly beneficial from a cost perspective.

“If I hadn’t joined this, it would have cost around 500,000 rupiah per person. For four people, nearly 2 million rupiah. So it’s very helpful,” she said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Asharudin (32), a mechanic from Kendal working in Tangerang. He learned about the programme from a colleague and successfully obtained a quota after registering online.

“Registration was online and competitive. I happened to get a slot. Very helpful,” he said.

He also hoped that in future, quotas for the free mudik programme could be increased given the high level of public interest.

Earlier, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi had also dispatched 648 travellers using the Jaka Tingkir train from Pasar Senen Station towards Solo in the morning. With this final departure, the Central Java Provincial Government’s free mudik programme for 2026 officially concluded.