143 Million People Forecast to Travel for Lebaran
Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport predicts that 50.60% of the population, or 143.91 million people, will undertake mudik (homecoming) journeys during this year’s Lebaran holiday. Central Java is forecast to be the primary destination for these hundreds of millions of travellers.
The prediction is based on a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Transport’s Transportation Policy Agency (BKT). The largest exodus of travellers is predicted to originate from West Java, with 30.97 million people, followed by DKI Jakarta with 19.93 million people, and East Java with 17.12 million.
In terms of destinations, the largest flow is directed towards Central Java with 38.71 million people, followed by East Java with 27.29 million and West Java with 25.09 million.
Two Peaks Predicted for 2026 Lebaran Outbound and Return Travel
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated during a cross-sectoral meeting to prepare for the smooth flow of Lebaran 2026 travel that the peak outbound travel periods are forecast to occur twice.
This aligns with the government’s implementation of a work from anywhere policy.
“The first peak outbound travel period is predicted to occur on 14-15 March. Then the government implements work-from-home arrangements, usually between 16 and 17 March. Meanwhile, the second peak outbound travel period is predicted to occur on 18-19 March,” said General Sigit.
He noted that Nyepi Day (the Balinese Hindu New Year) also falls during this period, necessitating coordination of crossings between East Java and Bali to respect Hindu worshippers.
The National Police also forecast two peaks in return travel during 2026 Lebaran. The first return peak is estimated to occur on 24-25 March and the second on 28-29 March 2026.
“The first return peak is predicted on 24 and 25 March. The second return peak is predicted from 28 to 29 March,” he said.
List of 10 Toll Routes Operating Free During Lebaran
The government is preparing several toll roads that will operate functionally during the upcoming Lebaran mudik period. Several sections will be opened temporarily and can be traversed free of charge.
Approximately ten toll roads will be opened functionally to reduce congestion among travellers. These are distributed across Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan.
The following is a list of the ten toll routes that will operate during Lebaran based on data released by the Road Toll Management Agency (BPJT):
Sumatra
- Sigli-Banda Aceh Toll Road
Section 1 between Padang Tiji-Seulimeum will be opened with two lanes covering 24.67 km
- Kuala Tanjung-Tebing Tinggi-Parapat Toll Road
Section 4 between Sinaksak-Pematang Siantar will be opened with two lanes covering 12.86 km
- Palembang-Betung Toll Road
Section 1 between Kramasan-Gandus, Section 2 between Gandus-Sungai Rengas, Section 3 between Sungai Rengas-Pulai Rimo, Section 4 between Pulau Rimo-Pangkalan Balai will be opened with two lanes covering 53.2 km total.
Java
- Serang-Panimbang Toll Road
Section 2 between Rangkasbitung-Cileles will be opened with one lane covering 24.17 km
- Ciawi-Sukabumi Toll Road
Section 3 between Cibadak-Akses Karangtengah will be opened with one lane covering 4.9 km
- Jakarta-Cikampek (Japek) 2 South Toll Road
Sections 3 through 6 from Setu to Sadang will be opened with one lane covering 52 km for return traffic towards Jakarta.
- Yogyakarta-Bawen Toll Road
Section 6 between Ambarawa-JC Bawen will be opened with one lane covering 4.98 km.
- Solo-Yogyakarta-NYIA Kulonprogo Toll Road
Part of Section 1 from Prambanan to Purwomartani will be opened with one lane covering 12.23 km.
- Probolinggo-Banyuwangi Toll Road
Sections 1 and 2 from Gending to Paiton will be opened with two lanes, and Section 3 from Paiton to Besuki will be opened with one lane. Total functional length is 49.68 km.
Kalimantan
- Balikpapan-New Capital City (IKN) Toll Road
Sections 3A, 3A-2, 3B, 3B-2, 5A, 5B, 6A spanning 50.23 km will be opened functionally in both directions.
Important: 30% Toll Rate Discount During 2026 Lebaran Mudik
Additionally, the Ministry of Public Works, in support of smooth outbound and return travel flow during 2026 Lebaran, is preparing a 30% toll rate discount policy to ease the financial burden on travellers.
“We must coordinate with toll road operating companies first because their scheme is different. Other transportation modes are primarily subsidised, whereas with toll roads we are reducing the profit margins of toll road operators. Alhamdulillah, all toll road operators have directly agreed, already approved for specific sections with timing details announced by the BPJT Chief. God willing, we will implement the 30% discount,” said Dody in a written statement on Saturday (7 March 2026).