25.13 Million People Will Return To Their Villages By Motorbike, Minister Of Transportation Budi Invites People To Take Advantage Of Free Homecoming

Motorcyclists crossing the southern lane in Nagreg area, Bandung Regency, West Java. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi appealed to the public not to travel long distances on motorbikes.

This is because it is very dangerous for the safety of yourself and others.

Based on a survey by the Transportation Studies Agency (BKT) this year, it is predicted that there will be 25.13 million travelers on motorbikes or 20.3 percent of the total 123.8 million people who will return to their hometowns during Eid 2023.

"We urge people not to use motorbikes for long-distance commuting because the potential for accidents is very high. The public can take advantage of the free homecoming program organized by the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub)," he said in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 14.

Budi said the free homecoming program held by the Ministry of Transportation does not only carry passengers, but also two-wheeled vehicles.

"Apart from passengers, we will also transport the motorbikes for free, so that the motorbikes can be used for mobility at their destinations," he said.

Budi said the free homecoming program was held with the aim of reducing the number of travelers using motorbikes.

"We see that the use of motorbikes for going home this year is still quite high. Although for various reasons of convenience, safety is still not guaranteed," he said.

Because of this, Budi appealed to various parties to carry out free homecoming programs, be it ministries/agencies, BUMN, private companies, and other parties, so that the quota would increase.

With the increasing number of free homecoming quotas, said Budi, it is hoped that it can reduce the number of accidents that involve many motorbike users.

"This can also reduce congestion on the road," he said.

Ministry of Transportation Free Homecoming Program

During the 2023 Lebaran Transportation, Budi said the Ministry of Transportation was once again holding a free homecoming program by land, sea, and rail.

The public can register online through the website (mudikgratis.dephub.go.id) and an application (Mitra Darat) which can be downloaded on their cellphones.

Apart from going online, the public can also register offline which will be held at the Ministry of Transportation's Jakarta Head office and at several transportation nodes and other location points.

"Registration for the free homecoming program has started to open from March to next May or it can be extended until it meets the quota provided," he said.

In the Free Motorcycle Transportation Program (Motis) by Train, said Budi, his party provides a capacity of up to 46,000 more passengers and 10,000 more units of motorbikes that will depart by train.

As for the departure schedule, it will be held from 11 to 20 April 2023 for homecoming and 25 April to 4 May 2023 for return trips. The registration time is from March 1 to May 3, 2023.

Furthermore, said Budi, the Free Homecoming by Bus program provides a capacity of up to 24,000 more passengers departing by bus and 900 motorcycles by truck.

The departure schedule will be held from 17 to 19 April 2023 for homecoming and 27 to 28 April 2023 for return trips. The registration time is from March 13 to April 14, 2023.

Then, said Budi, the Free Motorbike Homecoming program by ship provides a capacity of up to 5,000 passengers and 2,500 motorbikes departing by ship.

The departure schedule, continued Budi, will be held from 15 and 17 April 2023 for homecoming and 25 and 28 April 2023 for return trips. The registration time is from March 15 to April 13, 2023.