Not Just on Land, North Sumatra's Free Mudik 2026 Reaches Nias and Batam

North Sumatra’s provincial government (Sumut) has again launched its Mudik Gratis programme to welcome Eid al-Fitr 1447 H / Lebaran 2026. Unlike previous years, Mudik Sumut 2026 offers 5,500 seats covering land, rail, and sea routes to Batam and a crossing to the Nias Islands. Secretary of the Sumut Transport Service Rochani Litiloly stated that the programme is a solution to help residents return home safely at no cost. ‘Registration is now open online via the official site until 10 March, but will close earlier if the quota is reached,’ she said on Saturday, 7 March. For land transport, she noted, there are 3,120 seats with routes to Sibuhuan, Padangsidimpuan, and Barus. Meanwhile, rail transport provides 1,300 seats to Rantau Prapat and Tanjungbalai. A ferry crossing on the Sibolga–Gunungsitoli route is also prepared for residents heading to the Nias Islands. Mudik by road travellers are expected to reach Sibolga in the evening to connect with the vessel departing at 22:00 WIB. ‘In addition, there is also a sea route Belawan–Batam for 400 passengers,’ she added. By now, 4,500 applicants have been verified. Rochani emphasised strict rules in ticket withdrawal: after online registration, prospective mudik participants must collect the physical ticket offline within a maximum of two days. If this deadline is missed, the data will be automatically dropped and the quota redirected to another applicant. To ensure safety, the Sumut Dishub, together with the police, conducts ramp checks on vehicles and urine tests for drivers. Head of the Sumut Dishub Traffic Engineering Section, Riris Sijabat, added that this year’s mudik routes have been slightly adjusted. ‘For the Sibolga route, the free mudik buses will be diverted via Simpang Rampa—Poriaha because the Batu Lobang route is still under repair,’ she explained. This move aims to avoid choke points and landslides during the Lebaran 2026 exodus, ensuring 5,500 mudik participants reach their hometown safely and comfortably. (H-3) The PAN faction has also prepared a free homecoming programme for residents returning to their hometowns before Eid. Copyright @ 2026 Media Group - mediaindonesia. All Rights Reserved