EN.malanginspirasi.com – As the 2026 Eid al-Fitri homecoming (mudik) rush approaches, the East Java Provincial Social Services Department (Dinsos Jatim) has activated round-the-clock readiness to support stranded and vulnerable citizens. While most travelers enjoy smooth journeys home, thousands find themselves lost and abandoned due to a variety of circumstances.
Head of the East Java Social Services Department, Restu Novi Widiani, stressed that this preparedness is not new.
“This standby protocol has been implemented every year. Social services remain available whenever needed, including throughout the Lebaran holiday period. We do not recognize holidays when citizens require help,” she stated on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
Dinsos Jatim has outlined four primary service priorities:
- Disaster preparedness – mobile kitchens and temporary shelters will be opened if required.
- Handling of stranded individuals – whether they voluntarily approach the office or are discovered at mudik posts and along roadsides.
- Continuous operation of 29 Technical Implementation Units (UPT) – providing normal services for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and survivors of mental health issues.
- Security of UPT facilities – enhanced staffing and visitor monitoring throughout the extended holiday.
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Rising Trend in Stranded Cases
Restu revealed a noticeable increase in incidents involving stranded people.
“From January to March 2026, we have assisted 291 stranded individuals and successfully repatriated 113 of them in the last two months alone. This represents approximately a 20% rise compared to the same period last year. The previous full-year total exceeded 1,750 people,” she explained.
According to her, the majority of cases stem from victims of online job scams.
“Many come to East Java lured by fake job offers on social media, only to run out of money and have nowhere to return. We are seeing this pattern escalate,” she added.
To address these challenges, Dinsos Jatim relies on an integrated service network. In addition to the 29 UPTs, the department coordinates with volunteers, Sub-district Social Welfare Workers (TKSK), and inter-regional authorities. Medical emergencies trigger immediate ambulance transfers to hospitals, while those with family ties are repatriated through their home districts’ social services.
Public complaint channels via social media and WhatsApp remain active 24/7.
“People can report at any time. We want to ensure no citizen is left behind,” Restu emphasized.
For Dinsos Jatim, Lebaran is not merely a time of rest but a critical moment when services must operate at maximum capacity.
“Amid the festive bustle, we guarantee that every citizen still has the opportunity to return home safely,” she concluded.
