Ministry of Transport Dispatches Thousands of Free Homecoming Participants to Java and Sumatra
The Ministry of Transport officially dispatched free homecoming programme participants heading to Java and Sumatra on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, from Pulo Gebang Terminal and Jatijajar Terminal. The previous day, 10 buses carrying 340 passengers had departed for Aceh and Medan from Pondok Cabe Terminal.
On the day in question, 183 buses transported 7,142 free homecoming participants to various cities in Sumatra and Java, including Palembang, Lampung, Bengkulu, Padang, and several cities in West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
Deputy Minister of Transport Suntana stated that the programme represents the state’s commitment to assisting the public in observing the homecoming tradition. “Today we send our brothers and sisters home to their hometowns. As in previous years, the government has allocated funds for the free homecoming programme,” Suntana said.
In addition to bus transport, the Ministry of Transport also provided free homecoming options through motorcycle transport by train (motis) and maritime vessel (mutis). The programme involved local government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector.
According to Suntana, the programme is expected to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, thereby alleviating congestion and minimising accident risks during the homecoming exodus. He also expressed appreciation to various stakeholders involved, including Commission V of the House of Representatives, the military and police, the Association of Land Transportation Entrepreneurs, and transport offices across various regions.
Overall, the Ministry of Transport provided free homecoming quotas for 15,834 passengers and transported 240 motorcycles with support from 401 bus units and eight trucks.
Further departures were scheduled to continue on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, with 108 buses and 4,082 participants from Kampung Rambutan Terminal and Poris Plawad Terminal. Suntana expressed hope that all participants would arrive safely and celebrate Idul Fitri with their families in their hometowns.