Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – 472 travelers participated in the 2025 Free Homecoming Collaboration program, Thursday (27/3/2025). Malang Mayor Wahyu Hidayat together with Malang Deputy Mayor Ali Muthohirin and the Forkopimda ranks sent off the free homecoming bus group from Malang City Hall. There are a total of 14 free homecoming bus fleets provided by the Malang City Government in collaboration with the East Java Provincial Government.
The Mayor of Malang revealed that initially the free homecoming program was not planned. However, with the collaboration built with the East Java Provincial Government, this program can be implemented. "Finally, the Malang City Government can organize free homecoming again. This is a form of government concern for residents who are going home. Of course this also reduces congestion, or other problems that arise during homecoming," said Wahyu.
In 2025, the government will provide comfortable buses to various regions in East Java, such as Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, Kediri, Jombang, Nganjuk, Ponorogo, Madiun, Lamongan, Situbondo, Ponorogo, Ngawi, Lumajang, Probolinggo, Jember, Banyuwangi, and several areas on Madura Island. Based on data from the Malang City Transportation Agency (Dishub), the most popular homecoming destinations this year are Sumenep followed by Ngawi.
Head of the Malang City Transportation Agency R. Widjaja Saleh Putra said that the 14 buses provided had a capacity of 560 seats, and 472 seats were filled. "We prioritize the residents of Malang City. Initially, the Provincial Government (East Java) provided ten buses, but due to the high enthusiasm of the residents, in a short time the quota provided was filled. On the instructions of the Mayor, the Malang City Government provided four additional buses," explained the man who is familiarly called Jaya.
According to him, with the enthusiasm of the community who follow this program shows that there is a shift from using private vehicles. "This also reduces the risk, especially if using two wheels, and again according to BMKG estimates the intensity of rain is high accompanied by wind, so this program is considered appropriate. Also this is a mandate from the Minister of Home Affairs that the regional government is to provide facilities for the Lebaran homecoming," he explained.
One of the free homecoming participants, Anis, said that he and his family felt helped by this program. "Usually I take a travel to Blitar, by joining this I can save. Moreover, there are three of us going, with my child and my mother," said the Oro-oro Dowo resident.
Anis hopes that this activity can be carried out routinely every year and sent in several waves to facilitate residents who still have to work and are not on holiday. (ari/yn)
