Whatever the Political Choice, the Important Thing is Being Able to Go Home for Free

Eid al-Fitr becomes a moment for migrants to return to their hometowns. However, economic conditions sometimes compel them to find ways to reduce expenses during their homecoming journey. One of these ways is by participating in free homecoming programs offered by various parties, including politicians.

The couple Yasino (38) and Fitria (37) can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Migrants from Kebumen, Central Java, have finally managed to reduce expenses during their homecoming trip by participating in the "Help the People Free Homecoming 2025" program organized by the National Mandate Party (PAN).

It is understandable, as this couple has four children, requiring six tickets for their journey home. Meanwhile, the price of one ticket to Kebumen reaches Rp 330,000.

"If there are six people, it could be around IDR 2 million one way," he complained when met at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (27/3/2025).

Spending that much money in one go is a burden for this family. Moreover, Yasino, as the sole breadwinner, only works as a street vendor at Sumur Batu Market, Kebayoran, Central Jakarta.

"Actually, we weren't on the same bus when we left. I and one of my children went (to Wonosari), while my wife and four other children went from Cilacap. The ones to Kebumen were sold out during the ticket war," Yasino said with a laugh.

After arriving at their respective destinations, they will use online taxis to travel to their hometowns in Kebumen. Although the distance is far and the cost reaches hundreds of thousands, this price is much cheaper compared to taking public buses.

"From Wonosari to Kebumen, it will be around Rp 600,000, and then from Cilacap, it will be Rp 300,000. The amount is indeed significant, but if totaled, it is still less expensive compared to using public transportation," explained Fitri.

Both Fitri and Yasino had no objections to participating in the free homecoming program organized by the political party, even though they were not supporters. This program by PAN is also open to the public, allowing everyone to benefit from it.

"I know this information from Instagram about free homecoming info. It so happens that this free homecoming advertisement from PAN is among the others. After we failed several times trying in other places, we were finally able to register here," said Fitri.

Yasino also hopes that this program will continue. Moreover, their family often goes home during Eid, especially if there is an event in their hometown.

"Later during Eid, there will be a wedding reception from my wife's relatives. And usually we also routinely go home every Eid. So, if every year there is something like this (free homecoming), it will really help us," he said.

Elni (38) who went home to Palembang, South Sumatra, was also grateful to be able to take part in the free homecoming, even though she is not a PAN cadre or sympathizer. This free homecoming really makes things easier for her because if she uses a public bus, the fare is almost IDR 600,000 for one person. If she goes home with four family members, the cost for one trip is more than IDR 2 million.

"I also got the information from Instagram. Thankfully, there are still those who provide free homecoming so that we are quite helped, because there are four of us going home. Me, my husband, and two children," she said.

Moreover, Elni's family also often goes home during Eid. However, the difficult economic conditions almost made her cancel her intention to return to her hometown.

"Hopefully this event can continue to exist. I thank the organizers, and if more people hold it, it will really help us," he hoped.

PAN Secretary General Eko Hendro Purnomo stated that the free homecoming was carried out by sending up to 1,500 travelers with 30 buses from various destinations in Sumatra and Java. This activity could be carried out because of contributions from politicians from the PAN Faction in Parliament, to party administrators.

"For now, contributions from faction members, of course the DPP (Central Leadership Council), including the General Chairperson and I also contributed. This is the beginning of the same activity again after stopping during the pandemic," said Eko.

According to Eko, this free homecoming will be continued in the following years. Moreover, currently politicians who were elected as legislative members in the DPR have reached 48 seats. "It is possible that one member will donate two buses. So, there could be more free homecoming, he said.

Chairwoman of the PAN faction of the DPR, Putri Zulkifli Hasan, who also released the free homecoming departure, stated that this activity was part of her party's commitment to be present and become a solution for the needs of the community.

"Mudik is a meaningful moment for Indonesian families. PAN is present not only as a political party, but also a partner of the people in realizing simple happiness. One of them is returning home safely and comfortably," he said.

The Parliament Complex also became the starting point for the free homecoming activities carried out by the Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR from the Gerindra Party, Ade Rosiade. The politician from the West Sumatra electoral district (Dapil) dispatched 150 buses with a total of 7,500 passengers, Sunday (23/3/2025) morning.

Going home for Eid is a meaningful moment for Indonesian families.

Padang City and Bukittinggi City in West Sumatra are the two destinations for this free homecoming wave. Andre, who released it online, stated that 5,000 first wave of migrants who had departed on Sunday (16/3/2025) from the same place had arrived at their destination safely.

Andre also claimed that this free homecoming was present because of the assistance of President Prabowo Subianto who also serves as the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party. He also apologized for not being able to release them directly in this second wave because he was performing Umrah.

"Alhamdulillah, the second wave of homecoming travelers, these 150 buses are a gift from Mr. Prabowo Subianto and us Andre Rosiade, members of the House of Representatives of the Gerindra Party Faction. Safe arrival and greetings to the family from Mr. Prabowo, the Gerindra Party, and of course us Andre Rosiade," he said.

Smiles spread from the homecoming travelers in the Parliament Complex show that the homecoming agenda has become a solace for the migrants. The homecoming program from politicians is still in demand, regardless of the political choices of those who use this program.