RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government encourages travelers not to force themselves during the Eid homecoming journey. Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, delivered the statement at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Authorities have prepared thousands of houses of worship to serve travelers during the 2026 Eid travel period.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia recorded 6,859 mosques nationwide participating in the program. These mosques are ready to operate as rest areas during the Eid homecoming and return travel period. The facilities will remain accessible for travelers needing rest during long journeys.

In addition, 44 Buddhist houses of worship also joined the traveler friendly program. These facilities are located across 11 provinces and 32 regencies or cities. The locations span major regions from Sumatra and Java to the Nusa Tenggara islands.

These houses of worship are located along national homecoming routes across Indonesia. They are prepared to serve as temporary resting places for travelers undertaking long distance journeys. The initiative also reflects interfaith cooperation and social solidarity during the busy Eid travel season.

The readiness of the traveler friendly houses of worship was discussed during the meeting. Minister Nasaruddin Umar, affirmed the importance of readiness. He said houses of worship along homecoming routes must be fully prepared to assist travelers.

“We want houses of worship across religions along homecoming routes to truly serve travelers. These houses of worship are expected to open for twenty four hours during the homecoming period, because travelers arrive continuously throughout the day,” he said.

The minister also stressed the need for security arrangements during the travel season. Staff members should remain on duty to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers. This step prevents unwanted incidents such as lost belongings during rest periods.

“If possible, provide takjil or food for breaking the fast for travelers. We also provide simple drinks or meals for sahur. This is part of humanitarian service and social care,” he said.

Director General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry, Abu Rokhmad, said the program proved beneficial last year. In 2025, around 1.7 million travelers used the traveler friendly mosque facilities. The initiative also involved collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and the Indonesian National Police.