3,115-kilometre toll road ready to serve millions of Lebaran travellers in 2026

Jakarta, Kompas.com – The National Mobility Map ahead of Idulfitri 1447 AH reveals a challenging anomaly. Although data from the Ministry of Transportation projects an overall decrease in the number of travellers by 6.91 percent compared with last year, the burden on the roads is expected to become even more daunting. Of the 143.92 million travellers, 72.24 million people, or 52.98 percent, choose private cars as their primary mode of transport. This figure signals a hard reality for the capacity of infrastructure stretching from Sumatra to Java.

The Secretary-General of the Indonesian Toll Association (ATI), Krisade Sudiyono, emphasised that this year’s readiness is the result of a massive effort. Indonesia currently operates 3,115 kilometres of toll roads, with an additional 291 kilometres of new sections ready to be deployed in the near future. “This preparation requires a considerable amount of effort. However, we believe the hard work will be rewarded with the smiles of toll road users who can enjoy the warmth of Lebaran reunions,” he said.

For ATI, ensuring smooth operations across thousands of kilometres of concrete is a service pledge. “I can say, we are ready,” Krisade affirmed.

However, physical readiness is only one side of the coin. The other side is how this infrastructure can humanise its users. The most fundamental aspect in Krisade’s reflection is not about construction technicalities, but about the sociology of public service.

He entrusted a mission to rekindle three phrases that have begun to fade: “Sorry”, “Thank you”, and “What can I help you with?” to be echoed again by toll road operators. This statement is both an act of self-criticism and an honest acknowledgement of the burden borne.