Get Ready! Free Tickets for "Pulang Basamo 2026" Opening Soon

The information for the 2026 “Pulang Basamo” (Mass Homecoming) program has been officially announced. For all Uda Uni outside of West Sumatera, Indonesia who wish to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in their hometown -- the long-missed Minangkabau Land -- let’s monitor the updates to secure your free tickets!

 

Pulang Basamo 2026

About Longing and the "Light" Cardboard Box

Uda Uni,

Perhaps Uda Uni still remember that a few years ago during Ramadan, an inspiring commercial from a certain company went viral. It told the story of a father living in Jakarta with his small family. Years of living in a foreign land made him yearn to spend the holidays with "Amak" -- his beloved mother in the village. However, what could he do? Even meeting daily needs was difficult, let alone saving up for the travel fare back home.

Eventually, fate sided with his longing heart. There was a job with a payment that was finally enough to buy a bus ticket. How joyful the little boy’s heart was, wanting to meet his dear grandmother while bringing gifts --- just like people returning home in general.

The grandmother’s heart was startled when she received gifts in the form of two cardboard boxes from her dear grandson. Those two very light boxes were held with great happiness.

Eid al-Fitr finally arrived. When relatives and neighbors gathered at Amak's house, it was the small family's turn to be surprised. Their hearts beat fast seeing Amak bring out those two light boxes.

Like the magic is coming! In Amak's hands, those two empty boxes were suddenly full of delicious Eid cookies. The guests scrambled to eat them amidst laughter. This is a true portrait of many of our people in migrant life. Having a deep longing, but constrained by finances.

 

Merantau: The Breath of Minang Society

“Merantau” (migrating or wandering) has become a part of Indonesian Minang society, especially for men. Some people migrate because the promise of fortune in other lands looks very promising. Others leave their hometown to pursue education or follow a husband (or wife) residing in another land.

This migration is not just about stepping into other provinces, but also to neighboring countries and far across other continents. Sometimes, the longing for home, warm face, and long conversations with family members rings in the midst of work. Especially when Ramadan is at the doorstep, the vision of celebrating Eid in the village becomes even more scattered in one's head.

Often, the land of migration brings us together with people from the same hometown. Upon entering Ramadan, people usually start discussing plans to return home together. "Pulang Basamo," as Minang people call it.

There are groups with one large family using private vehicles, and there are those who collectively buy plane and bus tickets. Then what if one is alone? In those plane and bus cabins, we are actually performing "Pulang Basamo" with people who have the same goal: our beloved Minangkabau Land.

However, all of this can only be done by those who have a holiday bonus (THR) or extra savings. It cannot be denied that many people have to struggle just to survive in the land of migration, just like the father in the commercial earlier. If only there were a free "Pulang Basamo" program, it would certainly greatly lighten the expenses.

 

Efforts for a Free Homecoming: Pulang Basamo 2026

The happy news is, the 2026 Pulang Basamo program was officially announced in early January 2026. Not half-heartedly, 250 bus units have been prepared to transport Minang migrants to fulfill their longing for their hometown. The best news? This program is run for free without being charged a single penny!

This program is run by Mr. Andre Rosiade, as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party Faction and Chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM) -- with full support from President Prabowo Subianto. This program is intended for migrants with West Sumatra IDs (KTP) and other migrants of Minang descent.

 

A Flashback to the Success of Pulang Basamo 2025

This program, now in its fourth year (since 2013), has always been met with enthusiasm. The festivities of the 2025 departure at the Parliament Complex courtyard, Senayan, are still fresh in memory. As many as 250 executive buses were ready to take 12,500 Minang migrants in stages to cities in West Sumatra such as Padang, Bukittinggi, and surrounding areas.

The Pulang Basamo program is indeed only for the departure route. This is considering that everyone will return to the migrants at different times. However, this program certainly lightens expenses. At least, the departure cost is covered, so the budget can be allocated for other Eid needs in the hometown, or for the future education costs of beloved children.

Tips for Uda and Uni to Get a Ticket Quota:

Although thousands of tickets have been prepared, the number of enthusiasts is no less. To ensure Uda Uni also get a ticket, here are some tips:

 * Monitor Social Media Now: Registration info is right before your eyes. Don't miss further info from official accounts.

 * Prepare Digital Documents: Save photos of ID cards (KTP) and Family Cards (KK) in your phone gallery. When registration opens, Uda Uni just need to upload them quickly.

 * Accuracy is Key: Ensure the personal data of family members matches the original documents so the verification process during departure runs smoothly.

 * Act Fast: Do not delay when official registration opens. Remember, it's a first-come, first-served system.

 

Registration Information

Further info regarding the registration for this 2026 Pulang Basamo program will be announced through official Instagram accounts. For those who haven't followed yet, please check here:

👉 @pulangbasamonasional

👉 @andre_rosiade

 

The Pulang Basamo program is clear evidence that brotherhood and care are still very strong within Minang society. For Uda Uni who have been suppressing their longing due to cost constraints, now is the time to make that wish come true. Let's get ready: prepare your documents, and keep monitoring the information. Hopefully, those tickets will belong to Uda Uni. Happy "war" for the homecoming tickets. Warm greetings from Padang!