Bawen-Ambarawa Toll Road Opens Functionally 13-30 March for 2026 Eid Travel
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi directly inspected the readiness of the functional toll road segment on Bawen-Ambarawa, also known as the Yogyakarta-Bawen Toll Road Section 6, on Tuesday 10 March. Alongside this section, the Solo-Yogyakarta toll road through Prambanan will also become operational for the Eid period this year.
“We are making these two toll sections operational to prevent congestion and bottlenecks. Typically, Bawen becomes very crowded during peak exodus periods,” Luthfi said in a written statement on Tuesday 10 March 2026.
For now, the Bawen-Ambarawa toll section opening functionally for exodus traffic is Lane A, which runs from Bawen towards Ambarawa. Subsequently, the return traffic on Lane B (Ambarawa-Bawen) will also open functionally. The toll section measures approximately 4.98 kilometres, extending from the Bawen toll exit to the Ambarawa toll exit.
“Lane A will begin functional operations on 13 March, whilst Lane B will open on 23 March,” he explained.
Two security posts will be established on this route—one at the Bawen toll exit and one at the Ambarawa exit. Both posts will be staffed by officials from the Transportation Department and Police.
“Because road signage and lighting remain incomplete, the functional toll will not operate 24 hours. Operational hours will be from 06:00 to 18:00,” he noted.
Furthermore, Luthfi also disclosed preparations for Central Java’s Pantura coastal route for the 2026 Eid exodus and return journey. His office has already conducted cross-sectoral coordination meetings. The Central Java Police have also prepared a valet ride service for travellers using two-wheeled vehicles.
“The police in Brebes have prepared trucks to transport motorcycles. Passengers will be transported by bus to their destination. This is being done because the bottleneck for motorcycle travellers is severe when entering Central Java,” he said.
Luthfi appealed to people planning to travel home to exercise caution on the road. There is no need to rush whilst driving, and if tired, travellers should rest immediately at rest areas or exit the toll road.
“Be careful because your family is waiting at home,” he urged.
Additionally, Central Java’s Transportation Department Head Arief Djatmiko stated that the Bawen-Ambarawa toll route has been inspected together with Jasa Marga and Police. The functional opening of the Bawen-Ambarawa toll will reduce congestion or vehicle accumulation at Bawen Junction. In addition, traffic management measures will be implemented at that location.
“That junction is already very congested. Traffic engineering will be implemented to prevent congestion and accumulation there. Some vehicles will be directed here, particularly those heading towards Magelang and Yogyakarta, so they do not exit at the Bawen toll exit,” he explained.
Meanwhile, preparations of roads in Central Java for exodus and return traffic continue to accelerate. Head of the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning Henggar Budi Anggoro explained that road improvements are being expedited. One effort involves filling potholes to guarantee road user safety.
“For the Semarang-Godong road that was disconnected, concrete pouring has been completed, and we are awaiting curing. Seven days before the exodus, it will be ready for vehicle use,” he concluded.