"This is a form of the state's concern to facilitate the community. We hope the program can help reduce traffic jams during the long holidays," said Robby Kurniawan, head of the ministry's Transportation Policy Agency (BKT), in a statement on Saturday.
Kurniawan lauded parties such as the Land Transport Organization (Organda), the National Police, the Indonesian Armed Forces, and Transportation Services for supporting the free homecoming program.
"We hope passengers can arrive safely at the destination and return here in good health, too," he said.
Meanwhile, acting head of the Jabodetabek Transportation Management Agency (BPTJ), Suharto, said that the free homecoming program has been re-implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic based on the results of a BKT survey.
"This program is a proof of our service and also to ensure safety during homecoming. We have repeatedly reminded the public to avoid going home using private vehicles, especially motorcycles. We are trying to ensure comfort and security to society," he added.
The 11 destination cities covered by the free homecoming program are Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Wonogiri, Cilacap, Purwokerto, Wonosobo, Surabaya, Kediri, Malang, and Madiun.
This year's program offers 3,600 free homecoming seats with a total of 90 buses, 27 of which departing from Kampung Rambutan Terminal and 63 others departing from Pulogebang Terminal at the same time.
The ministry's Directorate General of Land Transportation has also provided motorbike transport trucks for homecoming participants, which departed on December 22, 2023, from Pondok Cabe Bus Terminal in South Tangerang City, Banten.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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