Ibas Provides Free Homecoming Transport for 500 Migrant Workers from Pacitan-Ngawi
Vice Chair of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), launched and flagged off the “Free Homecoming with Mas Ibas 2026” programme, themed “Safe Homecoming, More Comfortable Togetherness.” The event was participated in by over 500 migrant workers from Pacitan, Magetan, Ngawi, Ponorogo, and Trenggalek.
In his remarks, Ibas emphasised the importance of state presence in ensuring public welfare, including through the free homecoming programme that helps lighten the burden on society.
“The state today is present for us to safeguard together, the government today is present for us to support so that everything conceived and produced truly benefits the broader public,” said Ibas in his statement on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
“The state is present to ensure none of our people face hardship during these difficult times. The state must also extend its hand to provide compassion and care, one form of which is through free homecomings to meet society, family, and be present in our beloved hometowns,” Ibas continued.
Ibas also commended the partners who collaborated in the success of this programme, namely Bank Mandiri, BRI, and PT Antam. He expressed hope that the synergy would continue.
“God willing, what becomes our way to collaborate in easing matters for society, we pray for these companies to grow healthier, more successful, and more advanced so that events like this can be repeated in the years ahead,” he said.
On this occasion, the Member of Parliament for East Java Electoral District VII also invited passengers to make the homecoming journey a spiritual pilgrimage and a strengthening of family bonds.
“Homecoming is our nation’s tradition, homecoming is one way for us to undertake our heart’s journey, to meet society and family with relationships of human brotherhood, family ties and togetherness,” he said.
He also reminded people of simple yet profound life values, so that each individual becomes a person of benefit to others.
“Remember what we often hear: Urip iku Urup (life is a flame). Become a person of benefit, who always burns brightly. Whatever our work or activities, give your best, contribute to your environment and nation. Be grateful if you have employment, be grateful if you have the opportunity to earn more, and be grateful if you have surplus—when the time comes, you can share with your siblings back in your hometown,” Ibas said.
Closing his remarks, Ibas conveyed prayers and hope that all participants would complete their homecoming journey safely and return with renewed spirit.
“I want all of you to return to your hometowns safely, filled with joy and happiness, and to return to Jakarta and surroundings safely without losing anything. Hopefully, when you return to Jakarta with new spirit, new energy, working harder, more disciplined, more professional, and loving our homeland more,” he said.
Ibas also reminded drivers to be careful whilst driving safely. “For the drivers, take it slow as long as things get done—don’t speed! Remember speeds of 60-100km/h, and if tired, rest a moment at rest stops,” he added.
The free homecoming programme received enthusiastic responses from participants. One participant from Ngawi, Sudiro, expressed his emotion and happiness at being able to join the programme. He said he was impressed with Ibas’s demeanour, which he regarded as courteous and close to the people.
Meanwhile, Sumarti, a representative participant from Pacitan, also thanked the organisers for arranging this free homecoming programme. According to her, this facility greatly helps society, particularly in reducing travel costs so people can gather with family in their hometowns without financial strain. She also prayed for Ibas’s longevity and greater success in the future.
The launch event was marked by a readiness inspection of several buses and a flag-off ceremony. Ten bus convoys transported participants to their respective areas of origin.
This activity represents a tangible demonstration of care and presence from a people’s representative in assisting society, particularly migrant workers, to reunite with their families in their hometowns. The Free Homecoming Programme with Mas Ibas 2026 is hoped to serve not only as a transportation solution for society but also as a means to strengthen togetherness, reinforce a sense of community, and foster a spirit of social concern amongst the Indonesian people.