TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo expressed his gratitude towards those who participated in the annual Eid homecoming known as mudik. He said that the exodus of people to other regions across Indonesia has helped lift local economies.

“It surely made an economic impact, but statistically it will have to be calculated by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). I myself have not calculated it but what’s certain is that the people have made an economic impact on society,” said Ganjar in Semarang on Monday, June 10.

Ganjar is referring to the visitors’ behavior, such as purchasing souvenirs from locals, visiting local tourist attractions, and going on a culinary marathon.

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He said there would be plenty of transactions left by the visitors in the mass exodus, which would grow local economies in his region.

Previously reported on June 5, the day of Eid al Fitr, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati expressed her hopes on people’s positive domestic economic contribution during the Holy Ramadan month.

“If we see based on the modes of travel, many were resorting to land transports, so the spillover towards each region’s economy is hoped to increase,” said Sri Mulyani.

ANTARA | DIAS PRASONGKO