Indonesia Launches Free Travel Programme for Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026, Offering Public Transport for Passengers Across Land, Rail, and Sea

Published on December 13, 2025

As the 2025-2026 holiday season approaches, the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia has once again unveiled its much-anticipated Free Travel Programme. This initiative aims to provide safe, affordable, and efficient transport options for the public during the peak holiday season, when millions of people travel across the archipelago. The government has committed to ensuring that transport infrastructure remains accessible to all, particularly during the peak travel seasons of Christmas and New Year.

Aimed at Reducing Congestion and Accidents

The Free Travel Program is a government-driven effort to alleviate the strain on the nation’s transport systems during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The programme seeks to reduce the burden on private vehicles, particularly motorcycles, which are often involved in accidents and contribute to traffic congestion. By shifting travelers to public transport options, the government hopes to improve road safety and ease the overwhelming pressure on Indonesia’s infrastructure.

The transportation ministry has set a quota of 33,039 passengers and 5,628 motorcycles for the programme. This initiative covers various transportation modes, including land, rail, and sea transport, ensuring that there are multiple options for holidaymakers looking to reunite with their families during the festive period. To ensure smooth travel for the holiday season, the programme’s registration process has already opened, allowing the public to secure their free transportation slots early.

Public Transport Options to Ensure a Comfortable Journey

This year, the Free Travel Program will utilize a combination of 70 buses, 5,568 motorcycle slots on trains, and 17,239 passengers across 55 sea routes. The buses will operate on 10 routes from Jakarta to major cities across Java, offering a convenient way for travelers to access their destinations. The rail services, equipped to carry motorcycles and passengers alike, will provide free rides for thousands of travelers. The sea routes, with their extensive coverage, are also expected to accommodate a significant number of passengers during this peak period.

The Ministry of Transportation has worked with transport operators to ensure that adequate resources are in place to cater to the needs of passengers. The buses, for instance, will run along popular routes that connect Jakarta with several key cities in Java, while the rail and sea transport services are designed to offer efficient alternatives to the traditional road travel, which is often clogged with traffic.

Registration Process and Availability

The programme is open to the public and registration is available on the official government portal. The free travel service has been open since December 1, 2025, giving travelers ample time to secure their spots before the peak travel days. The transportation minister has urged the public to register as soon as possible to ensure that the available quotas are fully utilized.

Holidaymakers are encouraged to make the most of this programme, which not only offers a free travel option but also helps reduce the environmental impact of the holiday rush. Public transportation offers a much greener alternative to personal vehicles, which contribute to pollution and road congestion. By using the free transport services, passengers will contribute to a cleaner and more efficient holiday season for everyone.

Peak Travel Dates and Anticipated Surge in Demand

The peak travel period for Christmas and New Year typically occurs around December 24, 2025, with many people seeking to return home for family reunions and holiday celebrations. The return flow of passengers is expected to spike on January 2, 2026, as travelers head back to their respective work and school commitments. The government has worked to align the programme’s schedules with these high-demand dates, ensuring that transport services are available to accommodate the majority of travelers.

In preparation for the surge in demand, the Ministry of Transportation has urged passengers to book early and be mindful of their travel times. With many routes expected to be fully booked, early registration is crucial for securing a place on the free services. To support travelers further, the government has ensured that transport services are scheduled to run on time and with adequate frequency, making the journey as smooth and efficient as possible.

A Look Back at Last Year’s Success

Reflecting on the success of last year’s Free Travel Program, it was noted that approximately 94.67 million trips were made during the 2024-2025 Christmas and New Year period. Of these, 17.18 million passengers used public transportation, which represented a significant shift from private vehicle use. This shift helped to reduce traffic accidents by nearly 14 per cent, showcasing the programme’s positive impact on road safety.

The government’s continued investment in public transportation infrastructure, coupled with the success of the Free Travel Program, has contributed to a safer and more organized travel experience. With fewer private vehicles on the road, congestion has decreased, making it easier for everyone to reach their destinations in a timely manner.

Focus on Public Safety and Responsible Travel

The Ministry of Transportation has emphasized that, while the Free Travel Program is an excellent opportunity for affordable and convenient transport, travelers must prioritize safety and follow all regulations. Holiday travel, especially in Indonesia’s vast and sometimes unpredictable landscape, requires responsible behaviour from all parties involved. This includes adherence to safety measures on buses, trains, and ferries, as well as compliance with any health or travel advisories in place during the period.

For those planning to use private vehicles in addition to the public transport options, it is essential that all safety precautions are observed. As the programme’s objective is not only to provide free transportation but also to make travel safer for everyone, travelers should plan their journeys carefully and remain mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities.

A Lifeline for Holidaymakers

A vital initiative for Indonesia, the Free Travel Program offers travelers seeking an inexpensive and secure means of transportation during the hectic holiday season a much-needed lifeline. The programme has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents, ease traffic congestion, and guarantee that millions of Indonesians can safely and promptly return home to their families by providing free transportation on buses, trains, and ferries.

Travelers are urged to seize this chance and make reservations in advance as the 2025–2026 holiday season approaches to make sure they don’t miss out on the advantages of this government initiative.