Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and Vice Governor Rano Karno flagged off tens of thousands of travelers participating in the Jakarta government's Free Homecoming Program at Monas, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (3/17).

This program demonstrates Jakarta's commitment to ensuring safe, comfortable, and accessible travel for residents heading home for Eid.

"The program launched today serves around 34,000 people—a 34 percent increase over last year," he noted.

The program saw a 34 percent surge this year, serving a total of 33,902 travelers. To facilitate this, 744 buses with a total capacity of 35,012 were deployed to 20 cities and regencies in six provinces, spanning from Lampung and South Sumatra to various areas in Java. This includes 400 buses (18,813 seats) for the homecoming trip and 344 buses (16,199 seats) for the return journey.

Additionally, a motorbike shipping service using trucks is available from Pulo Gadung Terminal to enhance traveler safety and comfort.

Pramono noted, this free program is a partnership involving the Jakarta Government and several entities, such as PT Bank Jakarta, Transjakarta, MRT Jakarta, LRT Jakarta, PAM Jaya, PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, and PT Varcos Citra Internasional.

He ensured safe travel through vehicle roadworthiness checks and health exams for drivers and crews. He also urged travelers returning to Jakarta to use the designated transportation.

"We expect this year's homecoming to be smooth and safe, and we hope everything goes as expected," he remarked.

He believes that the annual homecoming is more than just a trip back; it is an opportunity to nurture social bonds, tighten family connections, and preserve community spirit.

For those staying in the city, the Jakarta government offers several benefits and exciting programs, ranging from free fares on the MRT, LRT, Transjakarta, and Mikrotrans to massive sales at various shopping malls.

Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) Head, Syafrin Liputo explained that the free homecoming program, themed "From Jakarta For Families," reflects the Jakarta government's commitment to safe and affordable transport.

It is also designed to minimize traffic density and accident risks during the Eid season.

He noted, 388 motorcycles were dispatched via transport trucks from Pulo Gadung Terminal to five cities in Java as part of the program.

Today, participants of the free homecoming program set off for 20 destination cities in six provinces.

"Next, for the free return trip, trucks will be dispatched from five cities to Pulo Gadung Terminal on Wednesday (3/25)," he stated.

Following this, on Thursday (3/26), passengers in the free return program will be transported from 20 cities back to the Pulo Gebang Terminal.

In total, 744 buses are being deployed for this year's free holiday travel program. Of these, 660 are funded by the City Budget (APBD), while 84 are sponsored by BUMDs, the private sector, and CSR initiatives. The allocation includes 400 buses (18,813 seats) for the homecoming journey and 344 buses (16,199 seats) for the return trip, totaling 35,012 passengers.

"This year's free homecoming is inclusive," he stated.