After reviewing the implementation of the Free Eid Homecoming Exodus program launched by the Ministry of Transportation at Jatijajar Bus Terminal, Depok, West Java, on Thursday, Sumadi said that currently, people's economy or purchasing power has not fully recovered from the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, they really need free homecoming exodus services, he said.
According to him, there are still many people who will need free travel services until Eid day and the day after Eid.
Of around 100 ministries and institutions in Jakarta, if each ministry and agency can provide two buses for the free exodus program, an additional 200 buses could be arranged, he said.
As for private companies and state-owned enterprises, if each company provides ten free homecoming buses, an additional 1,000 buses from 100 participating companies can be arranged.
The minister noted that the free homecoming exodus service is being offered based on an instruction from President Joko Widodo to offer comfort and assistance to homecomers.
The Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Land Transportation, is organizing the Free Eid Homecoming Exodus program by providing 686 buses that will take homecomers from Jakarta to Central Java, West Java, and East Java.
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In addition to providing free buses, the Ministry of Transportation is also offering 64 trucks that will carry around two thousand motorcycles owned by homecomers to Central Java and East Java.
The Indonesian government recently announced its decision to allow people to travel to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr this year in view of the improving COVID-19 situation in the country.
Prospective homecomers are required to complete their primary and booster vaccinations. Those who have not received the booster dose will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result.
According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Transportation, 85.5 million citizens will take part in the Eid homecoming exodus this year.
Related news: Passenger volume up across transportation modes: ministry
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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