Lestari Moerdijat: Lebaran Exodus 2026 as Opportunity to Strengthen National Unity and Tolerance

The tradition of mudik (returning to one’s hometown) during Lebaran should be utilised to preserve the values of unity and tolerance within society.

“Mudik is not merely returning to one’s hometown. This is a strategic moment to nurture unity and tolerance, especially when migrants reunite with the diversity in their places of origin,” said Lestari Moerdijat, Deputy Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, in a written statement on Tuesday (17 March).

The government predicts that this year’s exodus will reach 155 million people. The peak of the mudik movement is estimated to occur on 18 March 2026, with 21.97 million movements in a single day.

Based on data from the Ministry of Transportation, 76.24 million people will use private vehicles, with 50.63 million of them traversing toll roads. Meanwhile, at various points, two-wheeled vehicles still dominate. In the Special Region of Yogyakarta, 129,194 motorcycles were recorded entering the region at the beginning of the exodus period (14 March).

The Free Mudik programme initiated by various parties, both private and government, according to Lestari, reflects values of tolerance and brotherhood amongst the nation’s children.

Rerie, the affectionate nickname for Lestari, reminded that exodus travellers can use their journey home as a means to strengthen national values. “On the road, we meet fellow travellers from various backgrounds. In our hometowns, we reunite with our cultural roots. Tolerance and unity must be practised, not merely discussed,” said Rerie, who is also a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives.

Amidst the economic pressures facing society today, added Rerie, the spirit of togetherness and tolerance is greatly needed to strengthen social bonds amongst the nation’s children.

The member of the High Council of the NasDem Party hopes that the next generation can consistently practise and preserve the national values that we possess.

National values, Rerie asserted, must be utilised as the foundation for action to address various challenges in realising a better national and state life in the future.