West Java Province Begins Dispatching 3,040 Residents in Free Mudik 2026 Programme

Bandung — The West Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jabar) has begun dispatching 3,040 residents in the first wave of the Free Mudik 2026 Programme, which was symbolically launched at Leuwipanjang Terminal in Bandung on Friday, 13 March.

The departure of numerous bus fleets with routes including Bandung–Sukabumi, Bandung–Solo, and Bandung–Yogyakarta from Leuwipanjang Terminal was directly flagged off by West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan, who stated that the programme has been budgeted at 530 million rupiah through the West Java Transportation Office (Dishub Jabar).

“There were 2,500 registrants, with additional passengers from Jasa Raharja bringing the total to around 3,000. We have prepared 74 buses for this free mudik event,” said Deputy Governor Erwan after flagging off the mudik programme in Bandung.

The majority of migrants had previously registered through the Sapa Warga application. Their travel costs are fully covered by the government, although their return journey will be undertaken independently.

Erwan highlighted the significant savings realised by the public, particularly for large families who are economically vulnerable if required to purchase commercial tickets ahead of Idul Fitri.

“This helps people who have long wanted to return to their hometowns but lack the funds. Especially those with large families—I saw some with 4 to 5 family members. If they had to pay for that themselves, it would be quite costly. And with the celebration period coming, expenses are also higher,” he said.

Beyond the economic aspect, safety remains a primary focus. Pemprov Jabar seeks to facilitate safe mass transportation modes to prevent residents from forcing themselves to undertake mudik using motorcycles.

At the same location, West Java Transportation Office Head Dhani Gumelar confirmed that the high enthusiasm among registrants has caused available seats to run out quickly from the quota provided for approximately 3,040 participants.

“The remaining travel tickets have been exhausted, with the local departures ending on the eve of Takbiran,” said Dhani.

In this programme, Pemprov Jabar has prepared 74 buses scheduled to depart on 13, 14, and 15 March 2026 from collection points at Leuwipanjang Terminal, Cikarang Terminal, Bogor, Bekasi City, and Yogyakarta (returning to Bandung).