JAKARTA - Jakarta's decision to make public transport free on the first two days of Eid generated economic returns seven times the value of the subsidy spent, Deputy Governor Rano Karno said.

“One of the policies we implemented was making all public transport in Jakarta free for two days during Eid. Both TransJakarta and MRT could be used for free,” Rano said on Sunday, March 29, speaking at an post-Eid (halal bi halal) event held by the Tebuireng Pesantren Alumni Association at Masjid At-Tin, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta.

“If calculated, the subsidy provided reached nearly Rp3 trillion. But the impact generated economic activity of up to seven times that amount.”

Rano placed the policy within a broader picture spanning the full religious holiday season. “During the cultural activities period starting from Christmas through Eid al-Fitr, Jakarta’s economic turnover reached nearly Rp48 trillion,” he said. That window covers Christmas, Lunar New Year, Nyepi, and Eid.

Jakarta’s provincial government previously made all publicly managed transport services effectively free for the first two days of Eid al-Fitr, as part of efforts to keep the capital active while many residents travel out of the city. 

The policy, announced by Governor Pramono Anung, covered MRT, LRT, TransJakarta, and other integrated services on March 21 to 22, with fares technically set at Rp1 due to system requirements.

“This figure shows that public purchasing power and economic activity remain well maintained,” Rano added.

Jakarta’s “Mudik ke Jakarta” programme, which targeted residents who remain in the city while others travel home, ran from February 27 to March 31. 

The package included staycation deals across around 26 hotels with “pay two nights, get three” offers, shopping vouchers at 10 ITC retail locations, and discounts of up to 30% at major attractions such as Ancol, TMII, museums, and entertainment venues. The programme also included discounted flights of around 10% to Jakarta and special rail fares, alongside curated city tours and travel packages.