Jakarta Governor Urges Returning Migrant Workers Not to Make False Promises to Families
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has appealed to residents returning to their hometowns during Eid not to make false promises to relatives seeking to try their luck in the capital after the holidays.
“Do not promise something enticing or expect something that not everyone can actually achieve in Jakarta,” said Pramono during his remarks at the send-off ceremony for the Free Homecoming Programme buses at the Monas crossroads in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.
However, he assured that the Jakarta Provincial Government would not conduct enforcement operations. He emphasised that Jakarta remains open to everyone, yet he expected those seeking opportunities in the capital to possess the capability to work.
“Because life in Jakarta is not as people describe it — that everything will be fine. In reality, it is not. One must work hard to achieve that,” Pramono stated.
On Tuesday, Pramono, alongside Deputy Governor Rano Karno, sent off 744 free homecoming buses from the Monas crossroads in Central Jakarta. The buses transported passengers heading to 20 destinations spread across six provinces: South Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), and East Java.
“The number of vehicles prepared for the free homecoming and return service this year is 744 buses, comprising 660 buses funded from the provincial budget and 83 buses from corporate social responsibility, state-owned enterprises, and private sector contributions in Jakarta,” explained Syafrin.
The programme allocated 400 buses for the outbound journey with a passenger capacity of 18,813 passengers, whilst the return journey utilised 344 buses with a capacity of 16,199 passengers. This brings the total number of passengers transported through the free homecoming and return programme this year to 35,012 people.
Beyond the Free Homecoming buses, assistance from Jakarta’s Baznas Bazis included six additional buses for persons with disabilities.
“As a commitment to travel safety, all vehicles used in the 2026 free homecoming programme have undergone vehicle safety inspections and ramp checks. Similarly, all drivers underwent comprehensive health checks,” said Syafrin.