Over 100,000 benefit from SoE Ministry's free Eid travel initiative

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Over 100 thousand people traveled to over 200 hometowns nationwide for Eid al-Fitr under the free homecoming program organized by Indonesia's State-owned Enterprises Ministry.

Minister Erick Thohir stated that the free homecoming initiative reflects SoEs' care for the public while promoting safer and more convenient Eid journeys.

"President Prabowo Subianto has instructed SoEs not to neglect public services that must remain top-quality while enhancing their business performance," Thohir noted in the written statement received here on Friday.

The minister affirmed that inter-ministry collaboration in providing discounts on toll road fares and flight and train ticket prices reflected the SoEs' dedication to facilitating seamless Eid homecoming travel.

He also highlighted a major transition to public transport, with 50 percent of the travelers opting for it instead of motorcycles to return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families.

According to the ministry's statement, 83 state companies and their subsidiaries collaborated to facilitate the travel of 104 thousand residents this year, surpassing the earlier target of 100 thousand participants.

The state companies provided 1,372 buses, 92 train carriages, and 29 passenger ships to transport travelers to over 200 destinations across Indonesia.

The free Eid homecoming initiative was officially launched with a send-off ceremony for 4,704 participants departing in 98 buses from Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium Complex on Thursday (March 27).

Meanwhile, Rivan A. Purwantono, President Director of Jasa Raharja -- traffic accidents insurance -- and the free Eid homecoming programme coordinator, highlighted the increasing enthusiasm among residents to utilize the free travel service.

He noted that registration opened from March 3 to 17, 2025, through SoE platforms, has been integrated into the insurance database.

​​​​​​​"The registration was based on the identity number and phone number to optimize the passenger quota and avoid registration duplication in several SoEs," Purwantono remarked.