Ahead of Mudik Rush, All Toll Gates to be Opened and Dozens of Pumps Deployed at Tanjung Emas
Mudik (homecoming) travellers during Ramadan are estimated to begin entering Central Java within two days, with various preparations underway to accommodate travellers via both land routes using private vehicles and sea routes using ferries.
Media monitoring on Monday, 9 March showed that although no significant surge has yet occurred, passenger arrivals from various regions in Kalimantan at Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang have begun to increase gradually, with some of the thousands of disembarking passengers being early mudik travellers.
Meanwhile, the Jakarta-Semarang-Solo Trans Java Toll Road has not shown changes, with vehicle traffic remaining at average daily levels. Traffic is expected to increase significantly from H-10 (ten days before Eid). On the northern coastal national road (Pantura), congestion is primarily from increased freight transport vehicles.
“The number of freight vehicles has increased significantly in recent weeks as companies rush to stock warehouses before the freight transport ban begins H-7,” said Handoko, 50, a small-goods transport driver from Gringsing, Batang.
Similarly, Achmadi, 45, a truck driver transporting snacks for Sumatra, noted that his company has deployed its entire freight fleet since the start of the month to meet warehouse targets in anticipation of the freight restrictions on both national roads and toll roads.
This was confirmed by AKBP Aidil Fitri Syah, Head of Operations Division at Central Java Regional Police Traffic Directorate, stating that based on a Joint Ministerial Decision between the Ministry of Transportation, National Police Traffic Command, and Ministry of Public Works, the government is implementing operational restrictions on freight transport during the 2026 Ramadan mudik and return periods.
“From Friday, 23 February at 12:00 WIB until Sunday, 29 March at 24:00 WIB, freight vehicles are prohibited from passing except for essential goods including food staples, fuel, and other vital commodities,” said Aidil Fitri Syah.
To prevent congestion on the Trans Java Toll Road, all toll gates at Kalikangkung in Semarang will be opened from Wednesday, 11 March to ensure smooth traffic flow, with all maintenance and repairs to be completed before the mudik period begins.
“From H-10, all Kalikangkung toll gates will be opened and work is targeted for completion before mudik season begins,” said Nasarudin, Commissioner of PT Jasa Marga Maintenance Road Toll.
The mudik exodus via sea through Tanjung Emas Port is estimated to begin on Thursday, 12 March. To support this, a mudik command post will be opened with a readiness briefing involving the Port Authority and Customs Office (KSOP) and Port Police.
S Joko, General Manager of Pelindo Multi Terminal Semarang, stated that all facilities and infrastructure at Tanjung Emas Port are prepared to receive mudik travellers. “We have prepared adequate command posts with waiting areas, clean toilets, and neatly arranged UMKM merchant walkways,” he added.
Regarding extreme weather conditions as warned by the Meteorological Agency, Joko noted that preventive measures have been taken for flooding that previously occurred at the port due to tidal surges (rob) or heavy rainfall in Central Java.
“We are preparing flood prevention measures to keep Tanjung Emas Port clear for smooth mudik and return traffic,” said Joko.
According to Joko, preventive measures include deploying 50 to 60 pumps to be operated to ensure the port area remains safe from flooding during mudik season. Additionally, waiting areas have been improved with approximately 20 staff members, and the international waiting room at the passenger terminal has been refurbished for greater comfort.
Although hoping no disasters occur during mudik season, Joko emphasised that full 24-hour readiness is maintained, so when flooding emerges, dozens of pump machines can be immediately activated to prevent disruption to mudik traffic both arriving and departing through the port.
The peak of the 2026 Ramadan mudik exodus via sea from Batam to Belawan, North Sumatra, is predicted to occur on vessel departures on 16 and 19 March 2026.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi estimates the peak congestion during the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Ramadan mudik will occur on 16 and 18 March 2026.
Deputy Chair of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Eko Hendro Purnomo emphasised the importance of readiness in the energy and land transport sectors during the mudik and return periods for Eid 2026.
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