By: Yandi Arya Adinegara )*
The Eid homecoming (mudik) is a crucial occasion that not only unites families but also presents a significant challenge for the Indonesian government in managing the movement of millions of travelers scattered across the country. Facing the expected surge in homecoming traffic in 2026, the government, through various agencies, has prepared a series of measures to ensure the smooth, safe, and comfortable journeys of the public. The success of this year’s homecoming will depend not only on adequate transportation facilities but also on integrated coordination across various sectors.
As part of this effort, the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) stated its readiness to face this challenge by finalizing various transportation programs for Eid 2026. The Ministry of Transportation has prepared a free homecoming program that was previously successfully held during the Christmas and New Year period.
In 2026, thousands of homecoming travelers will be served by hundreds of buses reaching destinations such as Central Java, East Java, West Java, Yogyakarta, and Sumatra. This is not only a solution for those struggling financially, but also part of the government’s efforts to ensure that homecoming transportation is accessible to all levels of society.
The importance of this free homecoming program demonstrates the government’s commitment to serving the public equitably. In line with this, the Ministry of Transportation also ensures the readiness of transportation facilities and infrastructure by conducting vehicle inspections (rampchecks) before each trip. This step is crucial to ensuring the safety of travelers during their journey.
Equally important is the readiness of transportation infrastructure to support smooth mobility. Terminals, which serve as transportation hubs, are now equipped with a digital Terminal on System ( TOS ) system that allows online monitoring of vehicle status, from periodic inspections to route permits. This simplifies the ramp check process and ensures that only vehicles that meet requirements are dispatched. This system also minimizes the potential for human error and expedites the vehicle verification process at the terminal.
However, policies supporting the safety of travelers are not limited to land transportation. The Ministry of Public Works (PU) will continue to monitor and improve homecoming routes, particularly those along the Pantura (North Coast) route. A long-term reservation program has been implemented to ensure roads are always in good condition and ready for use. Although road infrastructure work is long-term, the PU Ministry is still taking anticipatory measures, such as filling potholes and deploying officers at several vulnerable points. With these measures, the government ensures that infrastructure obstacles that could disrupt the smooth flow of homecoming can be resolved quickly.
Inter-agency coordination is also key to managing a smooth exodus. Coordination between the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Public Works, and other relevant agencies is crucial to ensure smooth transportation services. In a coordination meeting held in Jakarta, the government ensured that all preparations and measures taken were in accordance with the principles of fair and equitable public service. Furthermore, the need to address vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities was also a key focus in planning this exodus service.
Furthermore, synergy between Jasa Raharja and various related parties is also a determining factor in ensuring a smooth homecoming journey. Jasa Raharja stated that it will strengthen synergy with the police, toll road operators, and other relevant agencies to ensure travel safety. This support is crucial, especially to minimize the risk of accidents and fatalities that frequently occur during the homecoming rush. One effort being made is through stricter traffic monitoring and increased security at vulnerable points, both on toll roads and at rest areas.
Of course, all these steps would be meaningless without the active participation of the public. Good coordination between the government and the public is key to a smooth homecoming journey. The public should always obey traffic regulations, pay attention to weather and disaster potential information from the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency), and choose safe and secure modes of transportation. Furthermore, for those using private vehicles, the Ministry of Transportation has provided rest areas so travelers can rest and recover during their journey.
Overall, the government has implemented various efforts to ensure the smooth running of the 2026 homecoming (mudik) program, including free homecoming programs, vehicle inspections, infrastructure strengthening, and synergy between relevant agencies. All of this demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring every homecoming trip runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably.
)* The author is a social observer