Pramono Clarifies "Mudik ke Jakarta" Programme Does Not Encourage Rural Migration

Jakarta — Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has clarified that the “Mudik ke Jakarta” programme does not mean inviting people from outside the capital city to return home to Jakarta.

“I want to clarify some reporting regarding mudik to Jakarta. It does not mean expecting people in villages to come to Jakarta for the holiday, because Jakarta is obviously not their hometown. Rather, Jakarta this time is providing space for anyone to enjoy Jakarta when the city is quieter,” Pramono said in the Thousand Islands on Friday.

He said based on available data, the number of people expected to return to their hometowns this year is likely similar to last year. Therefore, the Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) is launching several programmes grouped under “Mudik ke Jakarta”.

“We will hold discount programmes, and we will also offer discounts at several tourist attractions, including transport. For two consecutive days, we will make all transport free,” Pramono explained.

The Jakarta Transportation Department’s Traffic and Road Transport Operations Control Division (Dalops LLAJ) had previously estimated that approximately 4.024.251 residents would not travel outside Jakarta or would not return home for Eid 2026.

Popular tourist destinations expected to see increased visitors include Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), the Old City of Jakarta tourism area, the Thousand Islands, the National Monument area (Monas), and the PIK area. Meanwhile, three shopping centres expected to be busy are the Tanah Abang area, Kebon Kacang area, and Glodok area.

To anticipate traffic congestion at these locations, Pemprov DKI is considering traffic engineering with a contra flow system, vehicle restrictions using an odd-even licence plate method, and mobility restrictions in tourist areas.

Meanwhile, Pemprov DKI has deployed 2.082 personnel, including from the Transportation Department along with supporting equipment, including 90 patrol cars, 90 tow trucks, 240 portable signs, and 1.350 traffic cones or water barriers during the 2026 Eid Transport operation.

Furthermore, PT Jasa Marga predicts the peak exodus will occur on 18 March 2026, three days before Eid, and the return traffic will occur on 23 March 2026, three days after Eid.

“The projected traffic volume leaving Jakarta from H-10 to H-11 is approximately 3.671.078 vehicles. Meanwhile, the projected traffic entering Jakarta from H-10 to H+10 is approximately 3.540.379 vehicles,” said Yayat.