UNAIR NEWS – The Free Homecoming (Mudik) Program 2026 organized by Universitas Airlangga has become one of the university’s flagship initiatives during the month of Ramadan. This year, 648 students took part in the program to return to their hometowns in various regions. In addition to student participants, the initiative also involved 15 administrative staff members who assisted in supporting the program. The event was held at the Management Building on UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus.
With support from the East Java Transportation Agendy, the university prepared 20 buses, including 10 provided by the provincial transportation agency and 10 from UNAIR. Two additional vehicles were also arranged to transport participants to 18 destinations across East Java and Central Java. Through this program, UNAIR aims to help students return to their hometowns safely, comfortably, and conveniently ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Organizers also expressed hopes of expanding the program’s capacity in the future so that more students can benefit from the initiative.
Rector’s message to free homecoming participants
The Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof Muhammad Madyan Dr SE MSi MFin, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all parties involved in organizing the program. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Student Executive Board Universitas Airlangga (BEM UNAIR), particularly its Ministry of Public Services, which served as the primary organizer. According to him, the Free Homecoming Program has a meaningful social impact by helping students travel home safely and comfortably.
He further noted that the initiative reflects UNAIR’s broader commitment to being an institution that not only prioritizes education and research but also demonstrates social responsibility toward its community. “Through this free homecoming program, UNAIR contributes socially to its students while fostering a sense of solidarity and community among participants,” he said.
At the end of his remarks, Prof. Madyan expressed hope that the Free Homecoming Program will continue to expand in the coming years, allowing a greater number of students to benefit and spend valuable time with their families in their hometowns.
Participants applaud free homecoming initiative
The 2026 Free Homecoming Program organized by Universitas Airlangga received a positive response from participating students. Arsya, a member of the 2024 cohort at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Airlangga, said the program greatly assists students who study far from their hometowns in returning home for the holiday. He noted that the initiative is particularly helpful when travel tickets become scarce ahead of the Eid season.
Other participants also described the program as a privilege for UNAIR students. In addition to providing transportation facilities, the registration process was relatively simple, requiring only a student identification card and completed through an online system. Beyond its practical benefits, participants said the program also allowed them to experience the spirit of the homecoming journey together with fellow students living away from home. They hoped that the Free Homecoming Program will continue annually so that more students can benefit and reunite with their families.
Author: Nikita Aulia
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
