Prabowo’s Directive: Gerindra Dispatches 12,000 People on Free Eid Mudik to West Sumatra

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Gerindra Party is dispatching around 12,000 residents for free Eid al-Fitr mudik from Jakarta to West Sumatra (Sumbar) using 250 buses. Deputy Speaker of the DPR’s Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, said the programme is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to help migrant workers return home, specifically from West Sumatra. ‘This event is part of Pak Prabowo’s commitment to assist the people of West Sumatra, migrant workers from West Sumatra, to return home for mudik,’ Andre told reporters at the DPR building on Sunday (8/3/2026). ‘This is the fourth year we have run it. First year 75 buses, second year 200 buses, third year 250 buses, and this year also 250 buses,’ he said. ‘And it is carried out for free, where we bear the tickets. Alhamdulillah in half an hour they were all sold out,’ he added. Andre said that of the 250 buses prepared, the number of passengers this year reaches around 12,000 people. The buses will stop at two main points in West Sumatra: Padang and Bukittinggi. ‘The destinations are West Sumatra, there are two stops. The first in Padang, in front of the West Sumatra Grand Mosque. The second in front of the Kantin Field in Bukittinggi,’ he continued. Andre added that the free mudik programme is conducted in cooperation with the Danantara Investment Management Agency and Himbara. The politician said he hopes the programme can be held every year as per Prabowo’s directive. ‘There are colleagues from Pak Dirut BRI, Pak Dirut Mandiri, Pak Dirut BNI, Pak Dirut BSI, and Pak Dirut BTN and Danantara Boss who give full support,’ he said. ‘God willing, in line with President Prabowo’s directive, we will carry it out next year as well,’ he concluded. ‘From our simulation results, there are two dates when congestion will occur during mudik; it is estimated on March 16 (Monday) and March 18 (Wednesday),’ said the Minister of Transportation in Jakarta on Friday night, quoted by Antara. Based on the Ministry of Transportation’s simulation, national mobility on March 16 is expected to reach around 21.2 million people. On March 18, mobility is expected to be higher, around 22 million people, making it one of the peak moments of Eid mudik. KOMPAS.com commits to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support sustainable journalism and enjoy ad-free reading through Membership. Join KOMPAS.com Plus now.