RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched a program to prepare thousands of mosques across the country to serve travelers during the Eid homecoming season. The initiative aims to ensure that Muslim worship places can also function as service points for people returning to their hometowns.

Vice Minister of Religious Affairs, Muhammad Syafii, officially kicked off the Indonesian Mosque Expedition program. The launch took place at the ministry’s office in Jakarta Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The program, known as Ekspedisi Masjid Indonesia, is designed to support the annual Eid homecoming, or “mudik,” which involves millions of Indonesians traveling across the country. Under the program, mosques will offer rest areas and basic facilities for travelers along major routes.

“We are grateful to launch the Indonesian Mosque Expedition today to declare the readiness of mosques across the country to serve travelers,” Syafii said during the event.

He emphasized that mosques should not only function as places of worship but also provide services for the community. According to him, the initiative aims to strengthen the broader social role of mosques in Indonesian society.

“We want to change the perception that mosques are only open during the five daily prayers,” he said. “In recent years, especially this year, mosques are being programmed according to their function to provide services to the community.”

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared 6,859 mosques across Indonesia to participate in the program. These mosques will provide facilities such as 24-hour access, clean restrooms, secure parking areas, and basic health services.

“They will also provide phone charging stations, resting areas, information centers, as well as drinking water and light snacks for travelers,” Syafii conveyed.

To support the program, the ministry is also partnering with Radio Elshinta to broadcast information about mosque locations and travel conditions. The broadcast will run from eight days before until eight days after Eid, while mosque services will be available from seven days before to seven days after the holiday.