Beware of Getting Trapped in the "Hell" of Return Traffic Congestion, Here is the Prediction
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Lebaran outbound journey for 2026 has passed, but the real challenge is only just beginning. The government is cautioning the public against getting trapped in the “hell” of congestion during the return flow, which is predicted to peak in the coming days.
The Ministry of Transportation revealed that the peak of the return flow is expected on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, with a surge in vehicles even higher than the outbound flow. Vehicle volume is predicted to exceed more than 285,000 units, surpassing the outbound peak record of around 270,000 vehicles.
The Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Aan Suhanan, urged the public not to return on that date. He suggested that travellers adjust their schedules to avoid piling up at peak times.
“We urge the public to avoid the peak return flow time predicted on 24 March 2026,” said Aan Suhanan, quoted on Tuesday (24/6/206).
Not just one day, potential density is also expected to occur in two waves. The first phase will take place on 23-24 March 2026, while the second wave is predicted for 28-29 March 2026.
The National Police Traffic Corps Chief, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, stated that those three dates are high-risk points for congestion that need to be avoided. To ease the density, the police will implement traffic engineering such as the one-way system, including a national scheme planned to start on 24 March 2026.
The government is also encouraging the public to take advantage of the Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy so that the return flow does not pile up at one time. Travellers are advised to return earlier on 23 March or delay their journey to the 25-27 March 2026 period.
In addition, Jasa Marga is offering incentives in the form of a 30% toll fee discount on 26-27 March 2026 on several toll road sections to encourage more even vehicle distribution.
The Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, emphasised that avoiding the return flow peak is not just about comfort, but also safety. With better time planning, he said, the risks of extreme congestion and driver fatigue can be reduced.
Dudy said the public can return to Jabotabek on 23 March 2026 by utilising joint leave, or in the 25-27 March 2025 period by taking advantage of the Work From Anywhere period urged by the Government.
“So that the public can have a more comfortable travel experience and avoid the density that could potentially occur in the return flow,” he stressed.