Pramono Urges Jakarta Residents to Celebrate Eid Holiday in the Capital

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has invited all residents to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri by remaining in Jakarta rather than returning to their hometowns. The campaign, announced on Sunday, 1 March, is themed “Mudik Ke Jakarta” (Coming to Jakarta).

Pramono explained that for those who choose not to travel, the Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared special programmes to facilitate their holiday activities. These include significant discounts at shopping centres during the pre-Eid period, ranging from 50 to 70 per cent off.

To enhance accessibility, the provincial government will provide free public transport services, including Transjakarta buses, Mikrotrans, the MRT, and LRT Jakarta, allowing residents to reach entertainment and shopping destinations across the city without charge during the Eid celebration.

The government is also negotiating discounts with Jakarta hotels to encourage residents to stay in the city during the festivities. Pramono noted that residents can maintain family bonds with relatives in their hometowns through modern communication technology, such as video calls on smartphones, allowing them to celebrate together virtually.

According to the governor, staying in Jakarta during Eid will help residents conserve their savings by avoiding the costs and fatigue associated with long-distance travel to their hometowns. He highlighted that mudik (homecoming travel) by car or motorcycle is exhausting and financially draining due to fuel and travel expenses.

Nevertheless, the Jakarta Provincial Government will also facilitate those who wish to return home through a free shuttle programme, which will support 26,500 residents travelling to their hometowns during the Eid celebration. The governor emphasised that residents are free to choose whether to celebrate in Jakarta or travel home, with the government providing support either way.