Jakarta, March 6 -- The government will proceed with the Free Homecoming Travel program this year amid the budget efficiency policy implemented across state institutions, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has said.

"The Ministry of Transportation will offer free homecoming trips like in the previous years. Despite limited budgets, we will still execute this program," he informed in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said that the initiative aims to anticipate a likely spike in the number of people traveling in private vehicles and thereby, reduce traffic density during the Eid al-Fitr season.

"Most importantly, our move is expected to help enhance the safety of homecoming travelers," he added.

He argued that making long-distance trips in ...