Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises have expanded a free homecoming travel program ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry among participants aiming to improve mobility and safety during the peak travel period.
The annual program, which provides free transport for holiday travelers, served 116,688 people this year, exceeding an initial target of 104,000, organizers said. It involves 96 state-owned firms and their subsidiaries.
A symbolic send-off ceremony was held on March 17 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and at ASDP headquarters in Jakarta, attended by senior government and security officials, including Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.
A total of 66 buses carrying around 3,300 passengers were dispatched as part of the program, reflecting coordination among state companies to reduce congestion and improve safety during the annual exodus.
ASDP said it is contributing by providing free ferry services on several routes, particularly in Aceh and western Indonesia. These include crossings linking Ulee Lheue, Balohan and Sinabang, as well as routes serving Singkil and surrounding islands throughout March.
The company also facilitated travel for 118 passengers to Bandar Lampung by integrating land transport with ferry services on the Merak–Bakauheni route, one of the country’s busiest crossings.
Agus said the initiative was aimed at easing travel flows and reducing reliance on private vehicles, particularly motorcycles, which are often linked to higher accident risks during the holiday season.
ASDP Finance Director Bunga Herlina said the company hopes the program will help ensure smoother and safer journeys for travelers.
“We hope passengers can travel safely and comfortably and arrive at their destinations in time to celebrate with their families,” she said.
The program underscores efforts by Indonesian SOEs to provide more inclusive and accessible transport services during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.