By: Nancy Dora )*
The Eid homecoming tradition, widely known as mudik, has always been one of the largest social phenomena in Indonesia, involving millions of people traveling simultaneously from major cities to their hometowns. This tradition is not merely a journey back home but also a significant social event that requires the state’s readiness to ensure safety, comfort, and smooth mobility for the public. For this reason, every year the government is expected to carry out thorough preparations long before the peak of the homecoming flow occurs. In 2026, the government has demonstrated an anticipatory approach from the outset, ranging from strengthening national policy coordination, preparing transportation infrastructure, to ensuring accessible health services for people during their journeys.
The government’s initial steps were reflected in the intensified coordination at the national level ahead of Eid al-Fitr. President Prabowo Subianto convened several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet in a meeting in Hambalang, Bogor, to discuss various strategic agendas and ensure readiness for the upcoming holiday season. The meeting indicated that the government does not view the homecoming flow merely as a transportation matter, but rather as a component of social and economic stability that must be properly managed. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the meeting served as a coordination forum for the government to evaluate several national priority programs while ensuring that public needs ahead of Eid are fulfilled optimally.
During the meeting, the government also evaluated the progress of national self-sufficiency programs, particularly in food, energy, and oil sectors. This evaluation was considered important because the Eid holiday period is typically associated with increased public consumption, meaning that the availability of food supplies and energy must remain consistently stable. The government aims to ensure that the supply of essential commodities remains secure so that people can celebrate the holiday period calmly without concerns about shortages or price spikes.
Government preparedness is also evident in the readiness of transportation infrastructure, particularly the toll road network that serves as the main route for homecoming travelers. The Indonesian Toll Road Association confirmed that toll road conditions across various regions are in prime condition to accommodate the surge in public mobility. The Secretary General of the Indonesian Toll Road Association, Kris Ade Sudiyono, stated that most toll road sections have undergone comprehensive evaluations and are considered ready to support the flow of travelers.
Toll road operators carry two main responsibilities in preparing for the homecoming flow: ensuring infrastructure readiness and supporting traffic engineering strategies. Preparations include road surface maintenance, optimization of rest area facilities, and strengthening traffic monitoring systems through operational control centers. These efforts are carried out through close coordination between toll road operators, the government, and the Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police.
The state’s preparedness in facing the homecoming flow does not stop at the transportation sector. The government is also ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible to the public throughout the Eid holiday period. BPJS Kesehatan has prepared various service schemes to ensure that participants of the National Health Insurance Program continue to receive healthcare access during their homecoming journeys. The homecoming period should not become a barrier for people to obtain healthcare services. Therefore, BPJS Kesehatan guarantees that participants of the National Health Insurance program can access healthcare services anytime and anywhere, including when they are outside their home regions.
To support this effort, BPJS Kesehatan has established special homecoming service posts at several strategic locations such as ports, bus terminals, and toll road rest areas. These posts provide various services, ranging from health consultations to assistance with membership administration. The presence of these service posts forms part of the government’s effort to ensure that people remain protected throughout their journeys.
In addition to these service posts, BPJS Kesehatan has also optimized various digital service channels to make it easier for the public to access membership administration services. Through the Mobile JKN application and other communication platforms, participants can update personal data, check membership status, and obtain information regarding nearby healthcare facilities along their travel routes. The public is also reminded to ensure that their National Health Insurance membership status remains active before embarking on their homecoming trips. This step is crucial so that healthcare services can be accessed without obstacles if emergencies occur during the journey.
These various measures demonstrate that the government does not wait for the homecoming flow to begin before taking action. Preparations have been carried out well in advance through cross-ministerial coordination, strengthened transportation infrastructure, and the assurance of healthcare services for the public. This approach reflects the presence of the state in ensuring that the homecoming tradition can continue safely and comfortably for all citizens.
Ultimately, the successful management of the homecoming flow depends not only on government preparedness but also on public awareness in planning their journeys carefully. Collaboration between the government, infrastructure operators, security authorities, and the community is essential to ensure that the homecoming tradition remains a joyful journey without compromising safety.
*) The author is a Social Observer.