For Them, Free Homecoming Is An Unexpected Blessing: Can Save IDR 1 Million

Photo via Central Java Provincial Government

JAKARTA - Unexpected gratitude radiated from the face of Amron Riyadi, a blind disabled, participants in the 2024 Free Eid Homecoming with a train (KA) mode, facilitated by the Central Java Provincial Government. He was dispatched from Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, Sunday, April 7 yesterday.

"Hopefully there will still be (the Central Java Provincial Government's free homecoming program) and it will be easier for people with disabilities," said Amron, met in carriage 8 of Jaka Tingkir train heading for Pasar Senen-Purwosari Solo at Pasar Senen Station.

For Amron, who is disabled, the free homecoming service for train trips is very helpful for people like himself. Apart from that, he and his family can save on expenses.

"I can save tickets. Save up to IDR 1 million-IDR 1.5 million. I work in Jakarta (sequent massage carpentry) and open small food stalls," he said, quoted from the Central Java Provincial Government website.

Another train homecoming participant, Sunarsih admitted, her husband, who works daily in Jakarta as an online motorcycle taxi driver (Ojol), is very lucky to be able to take part in this free train homecoming program.

"If you don't go home for free, you can spend Rp. 1 million for homecoming. Husband is an online motorcycle taxi driver, I work at the factory," said the woman who boarded the train to Purwosari Station, who then continued her journey to Sragen.

With free homecoming, Sunarsih can use the money to give to parents, and daily necessities while in her hometown in Sragen Regency.

"Thank you very much for the free homecoming. You can go home, you can be happy," said Sunarsih.

The participants of the train homecoming, Niti Nurmawati (25) to Kebumen, did not expect to be able to go home for free using KA. He had wanted this for a long time. As an informal worker, he was also greatly helped by the free homecoming program.

"It really helps us informal workers. If you don't go home for free, the ticket price can be IDR 300 thousand. Participating in the homecoming is free of charge. If you stick to Eid, the ticket price can double," said Niti.

Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana released a Free Homecoming with KA, from Pasar Senen Station Jakarta, Sunday (7/4/2024) afternoon. At Pasar Senen Station, hundreds of people who were preparing to travel home, were seen carrying luggage with their families.

Before releasing the travelers, Nana entered one of Jaka Tingkir's train carriages to greet a number of homecoming participants and distribute gifts to them. Nana advised KA homecoming participants to remain careful all the way.