By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Eid al-Fitr is always a special occasion for Indonesians. Besides being a day of victory after fasting during Ramadan, it is also a time to strengthen ties with family back home. The tradition of going home (mudik) is an integral part of this celebration. Every year, millions of people travel across cities and even islands to be with their loved ones. In this context, the government’s presence through the homecoming ticket discount policy is a strategic step that not only has social but also economic impacts.
This policy is not merely a populist measure, but rather part of the government’s efforts to maintain a balance between community needs and economic stability. By providing discounts on certain modes of transportation, the government helps reduce household expenses ahead of the holiday. The impact is immediate, especially for workers who have spent a year living in big cities and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return home to see their families.
The government is providing special incentives for people traveling during the Eid homecoming period. Discounts on mass transportation tickets are designed to encourage mobility and stimulate the national economy.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto stated that the government is offering discounts on airline tickets of up to 17–18 percent, while ferry and train tickets are discounted by 30 percent. This policy is expected to help people better plan their homecoming trips and Eid holidays.
Furthermore, these incentives are part of the government’s strategy to maintain economic growth momentum amidst high public mobility.
Airlangga believes that Indonesia has unique characteristics during the long holiday period. When mobility increases, public spending activity also increases, directly impacting economic growth. Several economic indicators show positive trends ahead of the holiday season.
The consumer confidence index has increased, electronic goods sales have increased, and hotel occupancy rates are high in various tourist destinations.
Previously, Airlangga stated that the government is preparing an economic stimulus package for the period of February to March 2026. The stimulus includes discounts on transportation tickets, toll road tariffs, and the distribution of social assistance.
The total stimulus budget reaches IDR 12.83 trillion. Of this amount, approximately IDR 200 billion is allocated for transportation discounts. The budget for social assistance and other stimulus measures reached approximately IDR 12 trillion.
On February 6, 2026, the government officially established a 100% Government-Borne Value Added Tax (PPN DTP) incentive for airline tickets during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period through Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 4 of 2026. This policy is intended to make ticket prices more affordable for the public.
“To maintain public purchasing power and stimulate the national economy, especially during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri holiday period, the government is providing several economic incentives, one of which is a value-added tax incentive for the provision of scheduled domestic economy-class commercial air transportation services, borne by the government in the 2026 fiscal year,” states the considerations section of PMK Number 4 of 2026.
Article 2 of the regulation explains that the government will cover 100% of the VAT on the base fare and fuel surcharge for economy-class airline tickets for domestic flights. This incentive is available for ticket purchases from February 10 to March 29, 2026, with a travel period from March 14 to March 29, 2026.
From an administrative perspective, air transportation companies are required to continue issuing Tax Invoices or documents equivalent to Tax Invoices and to report VAT DTP in their Periodic VAT Tax Returns (SPT).
Airlines are also required to submit a detailed list of VAT DTP transactions electronically through the website provided by the Directorate General of Taxes, no later than May 31, 2026. If this reporting obligation is not met by the deadline, the VAT DTP facility will be forfeited.
“Air Transportation Business Entities, as Taxable Entrepreneurs providing Domestic Scheduled Economy Class Commercial Air Transportation services, are required to issue Tax Invoices or Certain Documents Equivalent to Tax Invoices and submit Periodic VAT Returns in accordance with the provisions of tax laws and regulations,” reads Article 4, Paragraph 1.
However, this government-borne VAT facility does not apply to additional services such as extra baggage and seat selection. VAT is still levied on passengers for these additional services in accordance with applicable tax regulations.
Eid alwaysBringing new hope for togetherness, caring, and a spirit of sharing. The homecoming ticket discount policy is a concrete example of the government’s efforts to be present among the people, not only through regulations but also through policies that directly impact daily life. Amidst economic challenges and the dynamics of public mobility, this step symbolizes the government’s understanding and response to the needs of its citizens.
Ultimately, homecoming is not just a journey home, but a journey full of values: values of family, tradition, and a sense of belonging to one’s homeland. When the government facilitates this journey, Eid al-Fitr becomes not only a blessing for individuals and families, but also for the nation as a whole. The homecoming ticket discount policy reflects the synergy between social, economic, and cultural interests in a single moment that unites Indonesia.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute