Second Wave of 'Pulang Basamo' Programme: Deputy Commission VI Chair Andre Rosiade Dispatches Thousands of Migrants to West Sumatra
Deputy Chair of Commission VI of the Indonesian Parliament Andre Rosiade has once again dispatched thousands of Minangkabau migrants to their homeland through the free homecoming programme “Pulang Basamo 2026.” In this second wave, 6,000 migrants were sent using 150 buses to various regions across West Sumatra.
The despatch ceremony took place at the DPR’s Jantung Sehat Field, Senayan Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Sunday (15 March). The event was represented by Pulang Basamo 2026 Coordinator Muhammad Reza Ikhwan and attended by West Sumatra Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Solihin.
“Alhamdulillah, the despatch of the second wave of Minangkabau migrant workers under the ‘PULANG BASAMO 2026’ programme proceeded smoothly. The event was also attended by the West Sumatran Police Deputy Chief and the Padang City Police Chief along with their personnel, who will escort and ensure the migrants’ journey is safe and orderly until they reach their homeland,” Andre told journalists on Monday (16 March 2026).
Andre stated that the programme represents President Prabowo Subianto’s attention and commitment to facilitating safe travel for Minangkabau migrants wishing to return to their region. He expressed hope that all migrants would have a smooth journey, arrive safely at their destinations, and reunite with their families in their hometowns.
Andre noted that the 2026 Pulang Basamo programme represents the fourth year of implementation. In this fourth year, the programme is dispatching tens of thousands of migrants free of charge.
“In the first year we had 75 buses, in the second year 200 buses, in the third year 250 buses, and this year we have also prepared 250 buses to transport thousands of migrants today, with a total of tens of thousands of migrants free of charge,” Andre said.
Andre expressed hope that the programme will help Minangkabau migrants return home safely and comfortably whilst strengthening family bonds in West Sumatra during Eid al-Fitr.
On this occasion, Pulang Basamo 2026 Coordinator Muhammad Reza Ikhwan stated that all programme participants registered through an online system to reach Minangkabau migrants across various regions of Indonesia.
“Why are we using an online system? Because this way we can reach migrants not only in the Greater Jakarta area, but also in other regions such as Samarinda and Bali,” Reza said.
According to him, enthusiasm amongst migrants is extremely high. In fact, the free homecoming tickets sold out in just around one hour after registration opened through the Loket.com platform.
“As soon as registration opened on the website, the tickets were sold out within one hour. It’s like buying concert tickets,” he said.
Reza also extended appreciation to West Sumatra Police personnel who escorted the Pulang Basamo homecoming despatch from the first wave through the second wave.
“Thank you to the police for escorting this journey so that the convoy can depart safely and is expected to arrive at the homeland smoothly,” he said.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Solihin stated that the Pulang Basamo homecoming convoy escort was carried out in accordance with Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s direction to provide service to the community. According to him, all buses carrying migrants would be escorted in a tiered manner by police from various regions until they arrived in West Sumatra.
“The escort is conducted by Jakarta Metro Police, Lampung Police, South Sumatra Police, Jambi Police, and West Sumatra Police. We ensure the journey is safe and smooth,” Solihin said.
In addition, the bus convoy will also stop at several checkpoints along the Trans-Sumatran route to ensure vehicle conditions and driver health remain in optimal condition.
Reza added that by the second wave, the total number of buses dispatched reached 250 units. The Pulang Basamo programme is one of Andre Rosiade’s efforts to care for the diaspora community and facilitate them in celebrating Eid al-Fitr together with their families in their hometowns.