Jakarta. Governor Pramono Anung announced that all public transportation services in the capital will be free during Eid al-Fitr 2026 to create a more inclusive and comfortable holiday atmosphere for residents staying in the city.

The policy will cover major modes of transport, including the MRT Jakarta, LRT Jakarta, integrated JakLingko services, and Transjakarta buses. Eid is expected to fall on March 20-21.

Pramono made the announcement on Friday while opening the Jakarta Ramadhan Festival at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. He said the fare waiver is aimed at encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday in the capital, noting that not everyone travels to their hometowns during Lebaran.

“During Eid al-Fitr, we will make public transportation in Jakarta free,” Pramono said.

He added that the policy is also designed to manage congestion, which typically increases during the holiday period as people visit relatives and tourist attractions across the city. By eliminating fares, the city administration hopes more residents will switch from private vehicles to public transport. “Rather than getting stuck in traffic or traveling abroad for shopping, it is better to stay in Jakarta,” Pramono said.

Beyond transport incentives, the Jakarta administration is preparing stimulus measures for hotels and shopping centers. The governor said the city will offer tax incentives to businesses so they can provide significant discounts during the holiday period.

“We will provide tax incentives for shopping centers, hotels and others so they can offer substantial discounts,” he said.

The measures are expected to help sustain economic activity in Jakarta during the long holiday, even as many residents leave the city for their annual mudik exodus. Officials hope hotel promotions and retail discounts will encourage people to spend their holiday locally, supporting trade, services and tourism.

As part of the 2026 Eid program, the city is also planning a series of entertainment events starting March 31, including light festivals and a thematic campaign dubbed “Mudik to Jakarta.” The concept promotes the capital as an attractive holiday destination in its own right.

Pramono said that advances in communication technology now allow residents to stay connected with family members outside the city without traveling long distances.

“Jakarta provides everything. If we want to celebrate Eid, we can do it now through video calls. I will also video call my family. That means we will stay in Jakarta and enjoy Jakarta,” he said.

Indonesia is bracing for one of its largest annual travel surges, with an estimated 143.9 million people expected to travel during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period, according to projections released by the Transportation Ministry.

The first peak of the Eid homecoming travel is projected to occur on Friday, March 13, with a second wave expected on Wednesday, March 18. The return flow is forecast to begin on Monday, March 23. The first return peak is expected on Tuesday, March 24, followed by a second wave on Saturday, March 28.