Migrants Save Up to Rp 5 Million Thanks to Free Homecoming Programme in Central Java
Jakarta — The free homecoming programme launched by the Central Java Provincial Government has brought relief to migrants in the Jabodetabek region.
Through this programme, homebound travellers report being able to save millions of rupiah on travel costs when returning to their villages for Lebaran in 2026.
One beneficiary is Waluyo (44), a migrant who operates a food stall in Jatinegara, East Jakarta. “I usually travel home with four people — myself, my wife, and two children. Usually, a single journey costs around Rp 2 million,” Waluyo told Kompas.com at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta on Monday (16 March 2026).
Calculating for both the return and departure journeys, Waluyo estimated his family could save approximately Rp 4 million during the Lebaran homecoming season. This saving was also made possible because his family’s return to Jakarta after Lebaran was already registered under the government’s free return journey programme.
“Both the outbound and return journeys are registered, so everything is straightforward. We’ll travel together on the return trip. If I’m not mistaken, we can start heading back from day 3 or 4 after Lebaran. It’s also free, provided by the Governor and the province,” Waluyo said.
Similar experiences were shared by Yanto, a migrant from Wonogiri who sells meatball soup in Jakarta. He reported saving more than Rp 5 million by not having to pay for bus tickets for his round-trip journey.
“During Lebaran season, an ordinary bus ticket costs about Rp 600,000 per person. There are four of us, so a single journey comes to nearly Rp 2.4 million. For a round trip, it easily exceeds Rp 5 million in transport costs,” Yanto said.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s a saving. So the money can be used for Lebaran expenses back in the village — giving to family there, siblings, nieces and nephews. We’ve already spent the money anyway; yesterday we shopped at Tanah Abang and bought Lebaran clothes,” Waluyo added.
Meanwhile, Yanto plans to use the funds previously set aside for travel costs to meet family needs in his village. He said he had not returned home for two years due to economic constraints.
“The ticket money is better spent on buying Lebaran clothes. Most importantly, I can give money to my mother back in the village,” Yanto said.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has urged migrants to spend the money saved from the free homecoming programme in their home regions. According to him, this step can help stimulate local economies, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas.
“When you return to your respective regions — whether Brebes, Pekalongan, Banyumas, or elsewhere — use the money saved from free travel for shopping in your homes and villages. Let MSMEs thrive and help communities prosper,” Luthfi said.