PB IKA PMII Prepares Free Homecoming Programme; Registrations Overwhelm Organisers
The Central Board of the Islamic Students’ Movement Alumni Association (PB IKA PMII) through its National Independence Movement (Gerakin) initiative has opened a free homecoming service for the public ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The programme has received exceptional public response with an overwhelming number of registrations since the registration period began.
Secretary General of PB IKA PMII Muhammad Nur Purnamasidi, commonly known as Bang Pur, stated that whilst Gerakin has not yet maximised the management of zakat, alms, and charitable donations during this Ramadhan, PB IKA PMII remains committed to presenting social programmes that directly benefit the community through the provision of free homecoming services.
“During this Ramadhan we have not yet fully optimised the management of zakat, alms, and charitable donations. However, we have prepared a free homecoming programme for routes across Java and Sumatra, and it turns out registrations have been overwhelming,” said Purnamasidi in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadhan, PB IKA PMII has organised numerous activities, ranging from a National Leadership Meeting in Jakarta, communal breaking of fasts both at homes and the PB IKA PMII office, to roadside pre-dawn meal gatherings attended by numerous figures, alumni, and activists.
Gerakin’s coordinator for the Sumatra region, Trio Pambudi, revealed that the high level of public interest has forced the organising committee to expand the bus fleet being prepared.
“The enthusiasm from friends and relatives has been immense. Initially we had only prepared around four to six buses, but because registrations continue to increase, the total fleet we are now preparing has reached eight buses,” said Trio.
A similar situation has been reported by Sunan, the dedicated coordinator for the Madura route. He acknowledged being overwhelmed by the high number of registrations from those wishing to return to their hometowns through the programme.
“For the Madura route, we are already struggling. Many registrants remain unaccommodated, so we have requested PB IKA PMII to work towards expanding the bus fleet, particularly for the Madura route,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gerakin’s Chief Executive, Sandi Suwardi Hasan, emphasised that this free homecoming programme is open to the general public. Nevertheless, PMII members and the broader Nahdlatul Ulama community remain the priority.
“This homecoming programme is open to the public, but PMII members and the Nahdlatul Ulama community remain the priority,” said Sandi.
He added that the organising committee is currently facing challenges in sourcing additional bus fleets. This is due to increased vehicle demand ahead of the Eid travel season.
“The committee is beginning to face difficulties in sourcing additional vehicles because the aroma of the Eid homecoming rush is already apparent. Many people are concerned about potential congestion and the depletion of public transport tickets,” he explained.
Going forward, continued Sandi, Gerakin will begin to manage zakat, alms, and charitable donations in a more structured manner. The licensing process with the Ministry of Religious Affairs is currently underway and is expected to be finalised shortly once all requirements are met.
“Once the Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued the licence, Gerakin will in future manage zakat, alms, and charitable donations more optimally. We will also expand scholarship programmes and various other social activities,” he said.
In this year’s free homecoming programme, PB IKA PMII has opened registrations to various destination cities on Java, Madura, and Sumatra, including Lampung, Padang, and Medan. For Java routes, free homecoming buses will serve journeys from Jakarta to Semarang, Surabaya, Malang, Yogyakarta, and Solo.
Given the high level of public enthusiasm, the programme is expected to help migrants return to their hometowns in a safer, more comfortable, and cost-free manner, whilst also strengthening solidarity amongst PMII alumni and the wider public ahead of Eid al-Fitr.