Through BPKH Programme, Hundreds of DIY Migrants Return to Work Free of Charge
Bright faces were evident among the migrants preparing to return to their workplaces after Eid al-Fitr at the Yogyakarta City Hall courtyard on Monday (23/3/2026). The “Balik Kerja Bareng BPKH 2026” programme, once again organised by the Badan Pengelola Keuangan Haji (BPKH), has proven a blessing for them, allowing a return to their places of work without worrying about increasingly expensive transportation costs.
This year marks the fourth edition of the free return programme. BPKH Executive Board Member Sulistyowati explained that the initiative is part of the Berkah Ramadhan 1447 H / 2026 M series and serves as the finale to six welfare activities conducted during the holy month.
She noted the extraordinary public enthusiasm for the programme, with registrations reaching 2,743 people. However, not all registrants could be accommodated due to limited slots at each departure point—only 675 participants, including in Yogyakarta, were transported using 15 executive buses to the Jabodetabek region.
“This year’s Balik Kerja is the fourth implementation. Public interest is extraordinary and keeps growing each year. This year, registrations exceeded available capacity by more than 400 percent,” said Sulistyowati when met at the Yogyakarta City Hall complex after the bus departure for the Balik Kerja Bareng BPKH 2026 programme on Monday (23/3/2026).
“The Balik Kerja programme is a tangible form of distributing the benefits from the Dana Abadi Umat (DAU), funds derived from hajj management efficiencies before BPKH was established. We emphasise that all funding for this programme does not use initial hajj deposits from pilgrims, ensuring the principal funds remain intact and are managed in accordance with sharia principles,” she added.
This functional separation aligns with the mandate of Law No. 34 of 2014 to ensure professional, transparent, and accountable hajj financial management for the welfare of the ummah.
Nationally, the programme is implemented at four departure points: Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, and Lampung, with a total of 60 executive buses and a target of 2,700 beneficiaries. Total registrations for the programme exceeded 11,000 people.
Meanwhile, Rumah Zakat CEO Irvan Nugraha stated that since BPKH’s establishment, Rumah Zakat has been entrusted as a welfare partner. As a national zakat amil institution, it was appointed to execute BPKH’s welfare programmes, funded by the benefits of the dana abadi umat. The organisation handles everything from planning, surveys, programme proposals, to implementation and reporting to ensure accountability, professionalism, and responsibility.
“Rumah Zakat is grateful to be selected as BPKH’s welfare partner. One of our current tasks is preparing the Balik Kerja BPKH programme from Yogyakarta,” Irvan revealed.
Preparations for the Balik Kerja programme began during Ramadan, including verifying potential participants for targeting accuracy, informing attendance, preparing equipment, and health checks. Volunteers accompany the buses to ensure safe arrival. “Rumah Zakat was only assigned to the Balik Kerja Bareng BPKH programme this year. Alhamdulillah, we have executed it well up to the departure, and we will continue to monitor until the destination,” he said.
One participant, Ngainur Rofik, expressed great relief from the programme. Returning to work in Bekasi, he noted that current land travel costs are quite high, making the initiative a significant burden reliever.
“This programme certainly helps me. With it, I can save on costs. Thank you to BPKH for organising the return-to-work programme; may it be blessed,” he said.
Rofik revealed this is his second time participating in a similar programme. Based on estimates, current bus ticket prices nearly reach Rp500,000 per person. He saves even more by joining this one.
“Coincidentally, this is my second time joining the BPKH programme. Looking at bus cost estimates, it’s currently around Rp500,000. I can save approximately Rp800,000. Alhamdulillah,” he said.
A similar story came from Danik, a resident of Kretek, Bantul, who works in Tangerang. This is his first time participating, and he immediately felt the benefits, especially since he is travelling with his family.
“This is the first time. We followed BPKH’s Instagram, checked when registration opened, filled in the link, and it’s done. Yes, it’s free, fully covered,” he said.
Danik is travelling with three family members. He estimated the travel costs would be substantial if buying tickets independently. He hopes similar programmes continue in the future, reaching more people.
“It’s economical, fun too, and helps with transportation costs. For us four, if tickets are nearly Rp500,000 now, we save a lot. Hopefully next year it’s like this again, and others can offer free return programmes,” he said.