RRI.CO.ID, Semarang -The Central Java Provincial Administration has launched the 2026 Balik Rantau Gratis (Free Return Program) to ease the financial burden on residents returning to urban centers after the 1447 Hijriah Eid al-Fitr festivities. The initiative complements the province’s free homebound travel program.

Central Java Transportation Agency Head Arief Djatmiko announced in Semarang on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, that the program will provide 68 buses with a total capacity of 3,400 seats, along with 320 seats on the Tawang Jaya Premium train.

“Registration for the train service opens on March 12, followed by bus registration on March 13,” said Arief, who is commonly known as Miko, as quoted by Antara.

Registration can be completed through the official Pedamateng website or the JNN (Jateng Ngopeni Nglakoni) mobile application. Verification will take place from March 14 to 16, with e-tickets issued on March 17. Preparations will be finalized on March 25–26.

Applicants must hold a Central Java ID card and work in the low-income informal sector, such as domestic workers, street vendors, or ride-hailing drivers. Each family is limited to four seats, and participants are required to maintain a Bank Jateng account.

Bus departures are scheduled for March 28 from the Donohudan Hajj Dormitory in Boyolali, with additional departures from satellite terminals in Sragen, Karanganyar, and Klaten.

Other departure points include Mangkang Terminal in Semarang, Bulupitu Terminal in Banyumas, and satellite hubs in Cilacap, Kebumen, Banjarnegara, and Purbalingga. Independent departures will also take place from Blora, Magelang, and Kendal. The train service will depart on March 27, one day before the bus convoys.

“We are committed to helping low-income communities by easing their financial load,” Arief said. ***